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■J. f-M
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THE NEW CONVERT
'rmciiiniLri ,
y-
THE
New Convert
A Drama in Four ABs
by Sergei Stepniak
Translated from the Russian
by Thomas B. Eyges
BOSTON
The Stratford Co., Publishers
/
b
1
A
'^.a !^^
Oopyright, 1917, by The Stratford Oo., Publiahers
All Bights Beserred
The Alpine Frees, Boston, Mass.
;
SERGEI STEPNIAK
BY
Prince Peter Kropotkin
Sergei Stepniak occupies one of the most prominent
places among the heroes that the Russian Revolution-
ary movement has produced.
He was only 20 years old when he resigned from
his position as an artillery officer in the Russian army.
At that time he already took an active part in the
Tchaikofsky group ; and there I met him for the first
time in 1872, together with Sophia Perofskaya and
others who have since then either been executed or have
, died in the prisons or in exile. At that time Stepniak
was already well loved by everybody in the group for
his bravery and his fidelity to the cause, as well as for
his wonderfully simple and clean character.
He was one of the pioneers who decided to ''go to
the people." Disguised as a laborer, he mingled
among the peasants in the villages. At the b^inning
of the so-called ''terrorist" movement he was one of its
pioneers and heroes.
His English essays about Russia — and there are
seven volumes of them — are full of intense love for
the peasantry and hatred for its oppressors. His
"Underground Russia", a book describing the revolu-
tionary propaganda amongst the Russian peasants,
made a great impression in the world of literature.
He was an ardent believer in the revolutionary move-
ment among the masses; and while the submissive
vi SERGEI STEPNIAK
servility of the people at times drove him to despair^
he would leap for joy at the news of a revolt. He also
believed in the necessity of a movement amongst the
• intelligent classes, which should go hand in hand with
the people's movement. To accomplish this was his
main object. At the uprising in the Balkans and the
rebellion at Benevente, Italy, he joined the rebels with
gun in hand. Only a few days before his death, he
was ready to join the Armenian uprising. He hated
oppression in any of its forms, — ^be it in the life of a
nation or family or party.
In England his writings had a great influence. He
succeeded in creating a deep sympathy for the Rus-
sian revolutionist, and for the Russian woman and
peasant. His life companion, who for many years
shared with him all his sufferings, knew better than
anyone else that he lived for his convictions only.
Just before his death, he said : ''To live for the cause
is harder than to die for it."
He was a stranger to the feeling of fear; it was as
foreign to him as colors are to a person bom blind.
He was ready to risk his life every moment.
Egotism as well as narrow partisanship was un-
known to him; he believed that in a movement to de-
feat oppression there are always parties and factions
with differences of opinion, — '*but let every party do
its share in the work for the common good, the best
it knows how" — ^he used to say — "and the result will
be much greater for the cause, than the centralized
sheep-like unity that paralyzes the initiative powers
of others through its own strict orders." He also could
not understand why there should be strife among the
SERGEI STEPNIAK vii
various parties^ since all are involved in the straggle
against a conunon enemy.
This was the result of his inborn instinct for justice.
I have known but few people who have possessed this
instinct developed to such a degree. He could make a
mistake when all the circumstances of an act were not
known to him; but just as soon as he knew the motives
of this or that act, he understood it and realized it in
all its noble beauty. In such cases he was as emotional
as the greatest poets are.
When he heard someone relating about an injustice,
he was at once ready to annihilate the oppressor. I
shall never forget the expression of his face, when I
related to him the treatment our comrades had re-
ceived in France and Italy. And yet he was kindness
personified.
Whoever knew him loved him.
The children in Russia worshipped him. He spent
some of the most enjoyable moments of his life in
America where, surrounded by bright black faces, he
taught in a n^ro school.
Sergei Stepniak was killed by a train, about three-
hundred feet away from his house. He left his house
about 10.30 in the morning, in order to visit a gath^-
ing of friends and comrades in Shepherd's Bush
(London). A few bricklayers who knew him well
saw him go by. He was absorbed in a book, which he
read while walking. He had to cross a single track
of a branch line, between Hammersmith and South
Acton. The place was very dangerous; one has to
cross the track hastily and very carefully. At first
glance one would think he could make it in a single
viii SERGEI STEPNIAK
leap, but in reality one has to make about seven steps
across the track, in order to be out of danger. The
sharp turn prevents the pedestrian from noticing the
oncoming of a train. When the engineer saw Stepniak
crossing the track, he sounded the whistle; but before
Stepniak had time to turn his head, the train knocked
him down, killing him instantly. One of the brick-
layers who saw the accident ran to Stepniak's house
and informed his wife of the sad news.
The following Saturday the cremation of his body
took place. Hundreds of his friends came to his house
and walked to the Bavenscourt Park cemetery. At
the Waterloo station, from where the train leaves for
Wauking, thousands of workingmen assembled with
their banners, representing the societies and Labor
Unions of various parts of London. Opposite the
station, in a downpour of rain, speeches were held by
English, Russian, Italian, German and Armenian
friends, who were often interrupted by the loud sobs
of the assembled. The manifestation was both magni-
ficent and heart-breaking.
I have seen funerals large in numbers, but I have
never seen a funeral with so much deep grief and
sorrow as was manifested by the mourners at the
funeral of Sergei Stepniak.
When the terrible accident happened, he was only
43 years of age, full of strength and courage, full of
hope and belief in the future. On the very day of
the accident his long wished-f or desire was to be ac-
complished, a desire to establish a Review, which
should be a literary meeting place for all Russian
Revolutionists. He had a complete program article.
SERGEI STEPNIAK ix
which was to go to press that day. Hundreds of letters
and telegrams received at his funeral, attested to his
value to the Russian Revolutionary movement. He
was its central figure.
The time will come, when history will tell what
Sergei Stepniak did for the Revolutionary movement
in Russia!
CHARACTERS
MOORINOV — Pavel Michailovitch, a man of wealth
MOORINOVA — Maria Ivanovna, his wife
ELA.TE, their daughter
COUNT MENTIROV, prime minister
ALEXANDER PETROVICH VOLKOV, a young
military officer (nephew of Mentirov)
NICOLAI NOROV, a young man, a neighbor of
Moorinov
GORLO V — Dimitry Stepanovitch, a government clerk
GORLOVA — Feodora Ivanovna, his wife, sister to
Mrs. Moorinova
MASHA, a house maid
AKULINA, a servant
Lackeys, musicians, etc.
ACT ONE
Scene : A large room richly furnished. A sofa on
the left. Draperies over the windows. On the right,
a chiffonier, and near it a stand with flower pots. A
table with a variety of souvenirs and small hrie<hbrae.
In the center of the table a large yellow vase with
dark figures.
On the sofa, Moorinov is sitting with a newspaper
in his hand. He is a strong, well-built man, with dark
hair and a slightly grayish beard.
Moorinova, his wife, is tidying up the room. Two
lackeys stand near the door awaiting her orders
in silence.
Moorinova
Pull those curtains down I Why did you leave them
upf One can see through. (The lackeys fix the cur^
tains.) Why? What are these three candles for? It
looks as if someone is dead here. . . . Someone might
come in later and think Well? Bring another
candle.
Lackey
Yes, ma'am.
Moorinova
Put the vase in the comer I Someone is liable to
push it off the table. It cost more than a thousand.
The lackeys remove the vase cmd leave the room.
14
THE NEW CONVERT
IfoQBnrovA
Wdl^ there yon have it. A house foil of servants
and I have to take eare of them alL (Looking at her
husband,) Other mothers have hdp from their big
dang^ten, bnt I have mostly trouble.
MoOBDroVy lifting his head from the paper.
Well^ I think yon have little trouble from Kate.
MocmHOVA
Tesy yes, yon are always taking her part. I mustn't
say a word about her, though I'm her mother.
MooBorov
But what's the use of wasting words even if you are
her mother?
MOORINOVA
Oh, well, what's the use of talking? I am not an
educated lady, and of course it is not my fault that my
father did not spend a fortune for my sake just as you
are doing for Elate. And he loved me no less than
you love her. That's just why I obeyed him, but you
have brought her up as a student and now you can
blame yourself for it.
MOOBIKOV
Blame myself? Why? What for? I don't see any
reason for it.
MOOBINOVA
I think there is.
THE NEW CONVERT 15
MOOBINOV^ putting the paper on one side.
Why, did you speak to her?
MooBiKOVA, timidly, uncertain.
Yes, I did.
MOOBIKOV
Well, and what?
MOOBIKOVA
Nothing, just as usual. Of course, she got angry.
"Fm tired of you people," she said, — "with your
marriage propositions. — ^Why " — said she, — ^" I hardly
have time to refuse one before I have another."
MOOBINOV
And yet she is not satisfied. (Dignified.) Well,
well, I should think she ought to be happy with such
a proposition, and he such an exceptionally fine fellow.
MOOBIKOVA
It's just what I told her.
MOOBINOV
And she?
MOORIKOVA
"I don't want it! I don't want it! I don't care
about his title. I don't want him nor his titles I" — she
kept on — " Besides, we can never agree in our ideas."
v;*
^w^r ^w^w ^%flp ^^ ^H^B JV^ p' «i^P
<*^m: im; / <«(fii^' eM<« «(K tan. X-^ 1&.7 nft
JM ^ /'^"Mf ^"'*>t^ ^ *<*7 ttm^t00a0t U^jtvw,
fAw^t ///« M^^ mm4 f — *fM is fixftiitfi «ikd A^ docv
V/jOBfVOirA
If//^ in^MMl mIm K%A wA, ^ Timm nt not the
tUfW m itmy wm U> iMf/^ ih« Mid — ^ we have a
THE NEW CONVERT 17
MOOBINOV
Yes, that is tme, times are different now, and they
are hard indeed. (Thoughtfully,) Nonsense! All
their ideas, what can all those ideas be that a girl has?
Nonsense. (Seating himself nearer to her, confiden-
tially.) Listen, do you think she has someone on her
mind? Did you notice anything? You know a girl's
heart is like an empty k^, you can pour into it any-
thing you wish, but if it is full — it is all over. . . .
Well, have you noticed anything?
MoORiNOVA, aroused.
Why, couldn't I see it? I am her mother!
MOOBINOV
That's it! That's just why
MOOBINOVA
Don't frighten me! Say it openly, whom are you
suspecting?
MOOBINOV
Well, now — what about our neighbor Norov, didn't
you notice anything? He is educated and so is Kate.
He comes here pretty frequently of late. It doesn't
take long, you know! . . .
MooBiNOVA, laughing aloud.
You've guessed it all right. Ha ! Ha ! Ha ! Oh what
a shot!
18 THE NEW CONVERT
MOOBINOV
Now, come, come, answer my questions. What are
you giggling about?
MOOBINOVA
Don't get angry. You are a smart man, I know you
are, but this time you made a bad shot. Yes sir I a bad
shot. You didn't guess this time. Why in the name of
Heaven, should it be Norov? He doesn't even speak
to her. I think he doesn't know how. One day I sat in
the other room and the door was open. They didn't
know I was listening. Now what do you think he was
talking about to her? About the people and how the
people are suffering.
MooRiNOV, with excitement.
About the people? and what else?
MOOBINOVA
Oh, I didn't listen any longer. I got sleepy from his
talk. I could see he was a foolish man. He actually
called the people brothers I Well, that wasn't so bad;
in the Bible it says the same, and there is nothing to
it any way. But when he says that rich people owe a
debt to the poor people, well, although I am not edu-
cated yet I can see that it is foolish. How can a rich
man owe anything to a poor man, if the poor man
hasn't got a cent to his name?
MOORINOV
Oh, you stupid woman! Why didn't you let me
know about this immediately?
THE NEW CONVERT 19
MOOBINOVA
Well, I declare I What could you expect! Do you
think I would bother you with such nonsense? Just
as if yon had nothing else to bother about.
MOOBINOV
Why, don't you know, that with those very words
he poured poison into her heart and soul? Why, this
is just what they call Nihilism, through which so many
thousands of people have perished.
MOOBINOVA
Oh my God! Why, it's those who blow up and
shoot.
MOORINOV
There are some that do it. They end up by shoot-
ing. At first they talk about pity " for the people."
Then they blow up and shoot so that the people should
become free from the Czar, they say — "to abolish
the cruel government and relieve the people from their
suffering.''
MOOBIKOVA
Oh, that rascal! I'll take a broom and just chase
him out of my house. My daughter, my darling little
girl! Why! Oh dear, oh dear! I must, I must run
and
MOOBIKOV
Here, wait! You'll spoil it all, don't mix in. You
send me Kate, I'll talk to her, perhaps it is not too
late yet, perhaps it is not gone too far.
20 THE NEW CONVERT
MOOBINOVA
I'm going right now I Fm going
Goes out.
MooBiNOVy alone.
Yes, that's what those ideas mean. . . . This is
horrible I Like a thief he stole into her soul and
robbed me of my pride and hope! Oh, it is utterly
impossible, impossible! I am as timid as a woman.
Why, it is only about half a year since he first en-
tered my house. Is it possible that what I planted all
these years and taken care of, can be utterly destroyed
with the first touch of that stranger? No! I shall
never believe it I Well, I guess I will not anger Kate
with too many questions. I'll just watch her, that's
alL Just watch her. That's what's necessary. Oh
dear! Times are pretty hard now. Hard indeed!
Enter Kate.
Eate
Hello papa! Did you call me? Mama came and
told me you wanted me and she said it so seriously
that it frightened me.
MOOBINOV
You are a Cossack-girl — You are not so easily
scared. What have you done today? (Cornea near
her.) But you are all wet and your hair is all loose.
Eate
I have been rowing and got a little damp.
THE NEW CONVERT 21
MOORINOV, with caution.
And in such weather?
Kate
Oh papa, how beautiful it is on the Neva I I turned
around the island and almost unnoticed I reached the
sea. How sweet it is, how pleasant to approach and
cut the waves ! Here it throws you up and then down
again, but you hold on and you keep going forward
and forward — it seems as if the Neva is angry at you,
because it cannot do with you as she would like to.
She tries to upset your boat and throws water at you.
Lots of birds are whirling over your head in groups
and at that moment I feel as if I were a wild bird over
the sea. You know, papa dear, how I would like to be
a bird I — but not a canary nor a nightingale — they
are kept in cages. I'd like to be a free sea bird. The
one that can fight the waves and is not afraid of
the storm.
She throws off her light cape and fixes her hair,
MOOBINOV
Well, Kate, you are awfully careless in your ways I
It doesn't take long for an accident to happen. I sup-
pose you didn't think for the moment what it would
mean to me should anything happen to you?
Kate, throws her arms around his neck.
Papa, my darling papa I Tou'U pardon me but you
need not worry about me — nothing can happen to
me. I am like the enchanted sword that neither breaks
nor melts, and that is just why I am so happy.
22 THE NEW CONVERT
MOOBINOV; very kindly, smoothing her hair.
And how long do you intend to carry on like this —
thoughtless and careless? Don't you ever think that
it cannot always go on this way? It may be all right as
long as mama and I are alive; but when we are gone —
what then?
Kate
Oh, papa, why think of this? I never have such
thoughts.
MOORINOV
That's just it! You think it is always going to be
this way. Years go by, and oh how fast they do go,
you hardly have time to look around. Now is the time
to prepare your future, and if you don't do it, we have
to do it for you.
Kate
Ha, ha, ha, oh, ha, ha, ha I I'll bet you, you are
going to talk about Volkov to me now. Did I guess?
Honestly, papa, I am tired of this. How many have I
already refused, but still you and mama insist just
the ^ame and you keep bringing me those fellows. It
looks as if you are trying to dig up a hidden treasure
for me.
MOORINOV
Those hidden treasures are only in fairy tales, my
child, but a man like Volkov you cannot always get.
life — my dear daughter — is a very serious affair
and I would like to have an earnest talk with you.
THE NEW CONVERT 23
Kate
Don% don't! I know all about it! I know every-
thing you are going to tell me. First, he is a
nephew of Count Mentirov, isn't it so? (Moorinov
nods his head.) Secondly, — ^if I marry him I shall
become the wife of a comit's nephew. Thirdly, — ^yon
would be the father of the daughter who is the wife
of a count's nephew, and Count Mentirov at that. —
Isn't it so? I don't see anything else.
MoOBiKOV, smiUng.
It is of no use getting angry with you. Tou are a
child yet and you don't realize what rank means in
life. Yet this isn't all. He loves you Kate, he loves
you dearly. He'll do anything for your happiness.
Now just think and be serious, if only for one minute.
Kate
Very well papa, I'll be serious. You say he loves
me, but it seems to me he loves your money more than
he loves me. He says I could do anything I want to
with him. Well, I don't like this kind of love. I have
no faith in it. It doesn't seem to be real love. At
times I can't bear him at all. I am afraid of him at
times, and at times I feel as if I'd like to tease him.
Sometimes it looks to me as if he hates me. We are
total strangers, and we have absolutely nothing in
common.
Moorinov
Oh, nonsense I Life is not a romance. You'll get
used to him and learn to love him.
24 THE NEW CONVERT
Kate
Oh, how dreadful; how monotonous it must be to
try and get used to someone you don't like I No, I
want life to be a romance — a real romance, and if it
can't be so, I don't want it at all. Papa, what is the
use of a life full of misery? Why can't life be a ro-
mance? Romances are written from life.
MOOBINOV
Oh, I don't know. Those romances that I have seen,
I would rather have not seen at all. A girl like you,
thoughtless and careless, falls in love with someone,
but what follows after? Quarrels, sorrow, tears, and
despair. Then she weeps her whole life after her lover,
who is carrying on a romance elsewhere. Oh no, Kate,
not this kind of a future am I preparing for you, —
oh no. Tour place is the highest in society, you must
shine, you must rule.
Kate
Yes, yes, that means I must be a crank, full of cap-
rices, a spendthrift, and a society flirt. Well, what
can I do if all this is so unbearable, so hateful to me?
MoOBiNOV, comes near to her and talks very earnestly
and emphatically.
You must help me to build up the glory of our
family. (Kate is listening very attentively,) You see,
this is the aim of my life. I worked all my life and I
have laid the foundation. Now, who is going to finish
building the rest of it? Aren't you going to help me?
If I should die tomorrow, what would become of my
toil? Do you know that when you were bom I was
very sorry?
THE NEW CONVERT 25
Eats
Were you? Thank you.
MOOBINOV
Yes I was. I had always prayed to God for a boy.
But when you started to grow, becoming cleverer and
lovelier every day, I rejoiced. You, my dear Kate, aro
worth more than three boys. That which takes a man
to work scores of years for, you are able to obtain at
once, honestly and at the dawn of your life and in my
presence. All you need to do, is to stretch out your
hand. Just think of this, Kate ; if you marry Volkov,
your children wiU carry his and my name. I can fix
that with the money I possess ; and with the title of a
Count we can reach everything, and then all that I
have dreamt of and striven for, all that I have lived
and hoped for, will be accomplished, and I shall die
happy. (Silence.) Well, you are silent?
Kate
My dear papa, pardon me. I am sorry, but I can-
not accomplish your wish, to help you to realize
your dream. I'm not after social standing, nor do I
want any glory. I don't need them. I hate them.
Papa, darling, I wanted to tell you this for some time,
but I had no courage. I despise palaces and luxury.
I want to forsake all this and go. I want to go to those
who are poor, who are suffering, who are in need of
light and aid. I want to work for the unfortunate
ones, for those who have been wronged, to share with
them sorrow and joy, to live for them and die for them
if necessary. This is what the happiness of my life
consists of.
26 THE NEW CONVERT
MooBorov
Kate, my eboM, my daa^tAerl Oh Godl What
hare I labored all my Kfe fort
Enter Lackey amd after him Vdtkov.
Alexander Petzovidi y<AoTl
MoOBMOVf thinking for a wtament.
AA bim in.
Enter Volkov in the uniform of a military officer.
HoQBnroVy approaching to meet him.
Wdl^ wdl^ Mr. Volkoyy pleased to see yon. We
ezpeeted yon here yesterday. We were thinking you'd
eaU on the way hade from the elnh. We waited till
ahont deveiL
KaU seats herself on the sofa at the further end of
the room, in a comer, and is hardly noticed by the
newcomer,
YoLKOV, laughing harshly.
WeUf I guess I'd he a pretty sight if I had come in
here last night! Why, that noise is in my head even
now. Don't you know, Metka is going to be married
and he made a little party for the boys. Well, that was
the last bachelor-booze there. On such an occasion,
of course, I couldn't refuse, don't you see? . . . im-
possible, you know. ... I am frank with you and I
own up — I am boozing now. I am taking it all In and
THE NEW CONVERT 27
having a devil of a time while I am single to remember
my younger days by. I'm raising the devil while
single, but as soon as I'm married — it's all ovei*.
You'll see Mr. Moorinov, I'll take an oath on that, —
not a drop — not a smell even.
MOORINOV
Sh . . . Sh . . . don't you see? Kate is here.
VOLKOV, confused.
Why didn't you stop me? (To Kate.) Pardon me,
Miss Kathenne. I didn't notice you were here. We
all are sinful. The Nihilists, I guess, are the only
ones that don't drink nowadays.
Katb
Why, not at all, Mr. Volkov. Why excuse yourself?
I am very pleased to hear the happy news. Are yon
going to get married? I wish you good luck. And
may I know to whom, if it is no secret?
Volkov
Miss Kathenne, I think you know it well.
Kate
No sir, I do not, and I am very anxious to know.
Volkov
Tou are joking. Miss Kathenne. . . .
28 THE NEW CONVERT
MOOBINOV
Now what's the use of all this? Mr. Yolkov is
making you a proposal, and, of course, like a gentle-
man, he first asked my permission. This may not be
quite stylish but it is very polite. I gave him my sanc-
tion. Now it's up to you, and remember, he deserves
a proper answer.
Kate
Can you blame me, papa, because it looks to me like
a joke and sounds so comical?
Turns to Volkov with a very earnest expression on
her face.
Volkov
No hurry. Miss Katherine, no hurry. I'm not in-
sisting on an immediate answer. I'll wait; take your
time and think it over. ...
MOOBINOV
That's right. She'll think it over. I'U let you
know her decision. It is very nice of you, I'm sure.
. . . Now, how is his Highness the count? Is he
in good health?
Volkov, with great dignity.
My uncle? Tes, he is well. I saw him the other
day. He asked me to tell you that he'll be here later
this evening.
MOORINOV
His Highness Himself will come here? I suppose
I am indebted to you for this great honor?
THE NEW CONVERT 29
VOLKOV
Uncle thinks a great deal of yon and yonr family.
He very mnch approves the ... he is very much in
favor of . . . for his part we could . . . however,
we will talk ahout this later.
MOOBINOV
AU right sir I Just as you say. But would you like
to step into my study? I have a fine smoke for you
there. Cigars of a special brand. (He lets Volkov
pass through the open door and hastily turns to Kate.)
Think it over, think it over well, do you hear? Don't
be too hasty. Remember, your future depends upon
your word.
He goes off, Kate remains alone in deep thought. By
the side door enters Norov.
Kate, jumps up frightened.
Who ia this? Oh, is that you? Why did you come?
NOBOV
Why did I come? What a question! ' To see you,
of course I Isn't this enough? Just think. The whole
week I couldn't get away for a minute. I thought
you surely would be angry, but instead you ask me
why I came?
Kate, thoughtfully.
No, it's all right. You did well to come here. I
didn't mean to say that.
30 THE NEW CONVERT
NOROV
Thank yon, but what is the matter with you, Miss
Katherinef Are you not feeling well? Or is there
any trouble? Would you tell me, please? We are
friends, we are comrades, and we promised to tell
everything to each other.
Kate
I'll tell you all, everything, only just let me pull my-
self together. . . . Tell me why didn't you come all
this time? I felt so lonesome.
NOBOV
There you have it. First you ask me why I came,
now why I stayed away. Now I won't tell you.
Kate
Please do. I don't feel like joking just now.
NOROV
Pardon me. Now I'll tell you all about it. We were
very busy getting this ready. (Beaches in his inside
pocket.) Just done. My firat piece of work. (Hands
a paper to Kate,) Just look, how lovely, the govern-
ment printing looks worse than this, yet this was done
in the attic.
£[ate
Why, what's this? A proclamation! (Reads the
heading.) « FROM THE REVOLUTIONARY COM-
MITTEE TO EVERY HONEST RUSSIAN
CITIZEN." Thank you. I can't read it now, I
will later.
Hides the paper in a music sheet.
THE NEW CONVERT 31
NOBOV
What's the matter with you? Please tell me. What
happened to you? You frighten me.
Kate
Oh, I have such unpleasantness to contend with!
Listen. (Speaks fast.) Volkov is with papa. He
proposed to me. Papa insists on my marriage to
Volkov.
NOROV
What? Volkov proposed to you? That rascal
dared to face you? Do you know what this bird did?
Kate
No, I don't know. What did he do? I haven't
heard anything about him.
NOBOV
The scoundrel betrayed Miss Artyomevy and her
brother. He got into their house as a friend. There
were several gatherings and they talked on different
subjects. The police smelt it and one day they were
all arrested.
Kate
Well? Then what?
NOROV
Of course they were cross-examined and Volkov be-
trayed everyone of them in order to save himself. He
32 THE NEW CONVERT
was mean and treacherous enough to say that he
purposely came into the house in order to find out the
character of their gatherings so that he could turn
them over to the police. He is a fine bird, isn't he?
No wonder his uncle, the count, likes him so much.
Kate
Oh no I It can't be; papa would know about it.
NOROV
Well, it's an old story. He might have managed to
hide the facts from papa. Besides, your father would
see these things in a different light.
Kate
Oh heavens! and papa wanted me to marry snch
a man.
NOBOV
Kate, how can you endure all this?
Kate
What shall I do?
NOROV
Why, quit it I Make an end to this conservative way
of living and come to us. We are waiting for you.
Kate
This will kill my father. How can I be happy with
such a sacrifice?
THE NEW CONVERT 88
NoROV, comes nearer to her.
It will not kill him. He'll think it over. He'll un-
derstand this. Besides, I am not calling you for hap-
piness, but for our cause. We will fight together for
the freedom of our country, together; we shall be
stronger and better; if I ever thought it would be
different, I would have fled from you; you would have
never heard a word from me. Give me your hand and
let us be comrades alwaj^ — in our life of joy or sor-
row; my feelings towards you are not only brotherly
or comradely — I love you, Kate.
Kate^ throws herself into his arms with a joyful
cry, but immediately steps hack. Speaks with a low-
ered voice.
No, no, I cannot. I am not strong enough. (Behind
the scenes Gorlova's voice is heard.) "What's the
hurry? What are you running for? You have lots of
time to tell them." (Gorlov more loudly.) "No, no,
I'm not hurrying."
Kate
They're coming! (Kate and Norov quickly draw
apart.)
Enter, Moorinov, Moorinova, Gorlov, Gorlova, atui
Volkov by different doors.
Gk)ELOVA
how lovely it is here ! Just like a palace. It's just
God's will to make one rich and another poor, and it's
not always those who deserve that get it. Well, I
can't help it, but I just like to tell the truth. How
84 THE NEW CONVERT
ttW you, Bistort (Kisaea Moorinova.) How are yon,
l»rothcr-in-lftwt (Shakes hands, then turns to Kate.)
And wity nro you so quiet t What ails you? Oh yes!
I know. I know all about it. No girl wants to get into
{\w h(imiHM»» but it*s our women's hard luck.
OORLOV
Jim\ Ibitik^ What n«wti
QonriOVA
Wttiil wait! what ar« >^u hurrying for? You'll
havi» iuU uf tim<d to toll it to tliem. Don't be so hasty 1
QORLOV
No, no, I'm not hurrying. I'm just. ...
Gk)BLOVA I
Vtn*y well then, keep quiet.
HUting down.
MOOBINOV, to Gorlov.
Here, Mr. Gorlov, sit right here. There is a draught
through that window. You might catch cold and I
should have to be responsible to your wife. She is
such a very strict lady.
GOBLOV
Thank you. Never mind, don't bother; I'll sit right
here, near Kate. (To Kate.) May I?
\
THE NEW CONVERT 35
Kate
«
Why, yes of course! Please do, uncle. I'll open
the screens and shut off the draught. (Opens screens
and is not seen by Gorlova. In a low voice,) Well,
did you get me the music I asked you for?
Gk)BLOV
Yes indeed. I was almost in every music store.
Here it is.
Gives her a roll of music.
MooRiNoy
Well, what about that news f We are waiting for It.
You alwaj^ have news even if there isn't any in the
papers.
GORLOV
You're quite right I I always do have news even if
there isn't any in the papers. Just think! Count
Mentirov is appointed Prime Minister of the Interior.
His Majesty has just made the appointment. He ! he !
he! What do you know about this! Tomorrow it
will be in the papers, but I got the news from a friend
that the government. . . . Well, are you satisfied?
MOOBINOV
Well, well! This is certainly good news. Many
thanks. (Presses and shakes his hand. Then he turns
to Volkov and shakes his hand,) I congratulate you.
36 THE NEW CONVERT
NoBOVy to himself,
Hm, some imp is appointed to keep the destiny of
the people in his hands and they are happy.
MooBiNOV^ ciside to his wife, in a low voice.
We need champagne for the great guest. We must
make a hig reception, and we mustn't forget musicians
even if it has to be the Germans from the street.
MOOBINOVA
I know, I know I Don't teach me.
Goes out.
MOOBINOV
Not only we, his nearest friends, ought to be happy,
but all Russia should rejoice. It begins a new era and
the nobles will regain their former position.
Gk)RLOV
Oh no, excuse me. I have nothing against the
nobles, but excuse me. ... I had the pleasure to hear
him say . . . here I sat and there sat he. The nobles,
he said, have outlived their times. Now, said he, the
people's interest is of most importance. My policies,
said he, are . . .
MoORiNOV, interrupting.
It can't be, no it can't be. I read his projects with
my own eyes. He says: ''The peasant must be
strictly watched, and by enforcement of the nobles'
rights, we can prevent a Revolution." I think you
are mistaken.
THE NEW CONVERT 37
GtoELOVA
Tes, yeS; yon are right. He always makes mistakes.
QoRLOV, excited to Moorinov.
Why is it that I am mistaken and not yon? I am
telling yon here I sat, and there sat he. I heard him
with my own ears. • . .
MOORINOV
. . . but I saw it with my own eyes.
NOROV
Allow me, gentlemen; why should you quarrel?
Can't you see that the count played a joke on you
both? . . . and not on you only. . . .
MOORINOV
A joke? What do you mean by this, sir?
NOROV
Yes, just a joke. Everything he does and says is
only a joke and even his appointment as Minister is
a joke.
MOORINOV
How dare you, sir, to talk that way in my house and
about my friend. . . .
VOLKOV
In my presence and about my uncle. . . .
38 THE NEW CONVERT
NOROV
Excuse me, gentlemen. I personally have nothing
against the count, and your friendship and relation-
ship concerns me very Httle. He is a government
official. In his hand the destiny of the Russian people
is placed. I; therefore, have at least the right as a
Russian citizen to express my feeling of discontent
and disregard, which I have towards that devilish
appointment joke.
Kate motions towards Norov as a sign to stop.
Moorinov, her father, gets in between the two, with an
angry expression. The guests move uneasily. Norov
remains alone.
MooBiNOV, in a threatening voice.
Toung manl There is a limit to everything. At
times, of course, we must take youth into consideration,
but your words . . .
(Enter Lackey. Stays at the door and announces.)
Count Mentirov!
MOOBINOV
He is welcome I
Norov
I guess the best thing for me is to get away from
here.
MOOBINOV
Just as you say. I won't dare to keep you. Good
bye I good bye I
He goes with him to the door.
THE NEW CONVERT 39
Enter Count Mentirov, He is a somewhat lively
and not very old man,
MoOBiNOV, excited — aloud.
Hey waiters, champagne! Hey you musicians^ play
up I (The music plays — " Kamorinsky." Moorinov,
excited, puts his hands on his head.) Not this, you
fools! Stop! not that! (The music stops,)
Mentieov
Never mind! That's all right. I love those folk
songs. (Everyone shakes hands with the Count,
Congratulations and toasts are made all round.)
Mentieov
ThankS; thanks. (He seats himself comfortably in
the arm chair; they all form a circle around him.)
Hew . . . but I am tired. I am not very old, but
the work seems to tell on me; and I was so h\isy.
Could hardly get away.
MOORINOV
I scarcely know how to thank your excellency for
the honor.
Mentirov
Just think, the news was not in the papers yet, and
I had thirteen delegates.
Gk)BLOV
Well, well, well! You really had thirteen dele-
gates? Well!
40 THE NEW CONVERT
MENTIBOy
Of course^ it wasn't thirteen single delegates. It was
one collective deputation. Who do you think it was?
Why, it was one representing the twelve tribes of
Israelites. It is wonderful how quickly they got to
know about it. The Jews are a pretty smart race and
I love them just for this. Why, there is some Jewish
blood in me, I think. When I last took a trip to Pales-
tine with the Turk named Muchtar — Pasha — a
splendid fellow — even if he did drink liquor and was
only a Turk, — ^I discovered that their ancestors are
descended in a straight line from King Herod. What
do you know about this! Isn't it very interesting?
Let's see. What was it I started to talk about? Oh,
yes. So I received the deputation very kindly. I
can't help it, you know. My rule is, the people's in-
terests are first.
GoBLOV^ in a low voice to Moorinov.
Now you seel you seel
Mentirov
I am very friendly inclined towards the Jews, said
I. The southern border is free and open for you, said
I. Tou can go if you please. Southern Europe is
your place all right, said I. There they need your
talent, your knowledge, said I, but we don't need you.
What for? We have enough of our own. We need
nothing from others. Commerce? Exchange of pro-
ducts? — Nonsense! What do we need commerce
for? My policy is very simple — No, import, no ex-
port! Here is my whole political policy, said I. I
even told the Czar the same. He agreed with me, and
— Hee, Hee, Hee, — he liked it too — Hee, Hee, Hee
THE NEW CONVERT 41
. . . (winking,) We know how and whom to suit.
Education? — nonsense, humbug! The peasant must
only believe and be obedient, then we are safe. Should
the peasant leave the village, the Revolution is at
our door.
MooBiNOV, in a low voice to Gorlov,
Now you see, you see, I told you so.
Mentibov^ continues.
Education — What does the peasant need education
for? You give him an A. B. C. and he'll soon want
a newspaper and he'll go about publishing proclama-
tions. He needs a priest, a boss and a poUceman.
This is just the Trinity he needs and on top of this
Trinity — the Czar. We will always keep this Trinity.
Hee, Hee, Hee . . . always.
Kate^ sarcastically.
Poor peasant! I wouldn't like to be in his shoes.
Mentibov, suavely and condescendingly.
It is hard to make you ignorant people to under-
stand things. Costly stones are not for the streets;
they are to shine in crowns. Hee, Hee, Heel . . .
Excuse the old man, your future father-in-law. This
chump, you see, (pointing at Volkov) told me all about
it and asked me to be the Godfather.
VOLKOV
Oh uncle, I think you are a little too hasty. Miss
Katherine has not given her consent. I only asked
you to support my proposition.
42 THE NEW CONVERT
Mentibov
Oh, is that it? AU right. I'U help you. I wiU.
I'm always ready to help the young. I love the young
folks. I was young myself. We were all young. Isn't
it so? (Turns to Moonnov,) Well, my dear friend,
for my part I am very much pleased with such a dear
girl. She wiU be an ornament in our home. A smart
wife for a man is a whole treasure. I have a clerk in
my office; he is as stupid as a cork — but he has a
smart wife and everything is all right. (Turns to
Volkov.) This is not meant for your garden. I didn't
mean you; you are always able to get by yourself.
But it will be very pleasant just the same to drop in
some evenings when you're out, to have a little talk
with a smart woman and listen to her music. (Turns
to Kate,) 1 heard you can play and sing very nicely,
and I love music very much, especially our national
songs. I think '' Lutchinushka " is superior to Bee-
thoven's music. (Takes a red music hook.) What's
this? Oh, National songs I That's fine I Would you
sing a little?
EjkTE, tries to take the hook from him.
I haven't sung these for sometime. Wouldn't you
rather have me sing this for you?
She takes another hook.
Mentieov
No, no, — this is German. I just want our Nation-
al. Here is one just right. ... A bridal song. (He
turns the leaves and drops a paper to the floor.)
What's this? (Reads.) "From the Revolutionary
THE NEW CONVERT 43
Committee to every honest Russian Citizen." Pro-
clamation! (Drops his hand and glances at everyone
stAspiciously,) There are no flowers without thorns.
(Turns to Kate.) So this is why you are pitying the
peasant so much. Well, this is unexpected, unexpect-
ed. I'm sure. . . . (Turns to Moorinov.) And where
were your eyes ? You a pillar of society, and your own
daughter a Nihilist. She doesn't deserve a future
count for a husband, but her place is exile in Siberia I
Do you know this? You understand? (He puts both
hands in his pockets and looks at Moorinov with a
grave and strict expression; in the meantime he feels
of something in his pocket, pulls it out, unfolds it, and
reads aloud.) (From the Revolutionary Commit-
tee ... ) ugh? I Weill A proclamation in my
pocket I (Compares.) Just the samel Well I de-
clarel Hal Ha! Ha! So I am Nihilist too? I shall
have to exile myself to Siberia 1 Hal Ha! Ha! I tell
you those fellows are pretty slick. Well, I like those
people when they are as quick as that. (Very kindly
to Moorinov.) Well, so what have you to say r^ard-
ing the proposition my nephew made with my consent?
MOOBINOV
Count, I am deeply affected by your very kind
treatment. I consider it absolutely fatherly.
Mentibov
Oh well, this is between ourselves, you know! Of
course I was young myself, and I understand all this.
(Turns to Kate.) WeYL, what has Miss Katherine
to say?
Kate makes a motion to Volkov as a sign to follow
her. She sits down at the rear of the stage on a sofa.
44 THE NEW CONVERT
Vdkov tries to sit down near her on the sofa, hut she
points out a chair to him,
Mektibov^ winking towards them.
Youth ! We know all their secrets by heart. Well,
let us not disturb them. They will settle their affairs
better without us.
The conversation between Kate and Volkov is car-
ried on in half-loud tones; both are somewhat excited,
hut are trying to suppress it. Business for the rest,
Kate
Look here, Mr. Volkov, I wish you would get rid of
that notion. I shall never be your wife. I don't know
whether I could even count you among my friends.
Volkov
Why, Miss Katherinel What does this mean?
What have I done? Have I offended you in any way?
Katb
Oh, well. ... I have such caprices at times. . . .
Con you please tell me what has become of the brother
and sister Artyomevy? You were friendly with them
once?
Volkov, absolutely lost. Stammering,
Why . . . eh . . . m . . . Artyomevy? I ... So
thiii is it? Well I wasn't very friendly with them,
although I used to go to their house.
Lowers his head.
THE NEW CONVERT 45
Kate
So it is true? . . . (with disgust) and you expected
after this that any respectable girl would consent to be
your wife?
VOLKOV
Tou are merciless. Miss Katherine. What have I
really done? There were many witnesses. They would
have been caught anyway. No one wants to perish.
Had I not delivered them, someone else would.
Kate
I see, so you preferred to be the scoundrel, rather
than anyone else?
VOLKOV
Miss Katherine, be careful. Do not wake the devil
in me I
Kate
The devil? That's an insult to the devil. You mean
the snake I
VOLKOV
Even so. But to step on the snake is dangerous;
he might sting.
Stands up and goes to Mentirov.
Mentibov
Well, how is it, all right?
46 THE NEW CONVERT
VOLKOV
Not quite, why?
Mentibov
Not qnite, why?
VOLKOV
I cannot forget the discovery of the proclamation in
her possession, and by a thorough investigation . . .
MsKTiBOy, interrupts.
Oh nonsense. You can't put a sweetheart under
cross-examination and investigation. We've all been
mischievous in the years of our youth. I myself
when a student . . .
VoLKOV, interrupts.
After the conversation we had, I cannot take the
case otherwise than serious.
MENTIBOy
What did she say to you ?
Volkov shrugs his shoulders and looks at Mentirov
with an expression of vital significance.
Mentibov^ hitting his forehead mth his palm.
Why couldn't I see it before? Of course, for his
convictions he is even willing to sacrifice a sweetheart
with millions. Good for you I Some think that there
are no people who are true to their convictions. Here
THE NEW CONVERT 47
is one right here. (To Volkov.) This is pretty slick.
I like slick people. A fellow like you is priceless.
(Comes up near the rest of the people and speaks to
Moorinov,) I am very sorry. An explanation with
your daughter led him to understand, that though it
would be a very paying and profitable proposition, he
nevertheless, as a true subject to his Czar, must with-
draw and decline the honor of becoming her husband.
As to myself, being his nearest relative, and a loyal
servant of my Czar, I cannot but highly praise his
splendid stand as far as patriotism and loyalty is
concerned. I am very sorry, very sorry. Let us hope
that the unpleasant events of today will not have any
bad effect, and will not injure your standing in certain
spheres of society.
Leaves the room very proudly with Volkov.
MooBiNOv, to Kate.
Do you understand what you have donef Do you
realize? Tou have killed me without a weapon!
MOOBINOVA
Now, what do you want from her? Everybody is
bothering her and even you, her father, are after her.
That isn't her fault. She isn't to be blamed for it; it's
him, that educated young man, that spoiled her! My
poor daughter!
MOOBINOV
Oh God I Why do you punish me so hard? My
daughter, my child, the only pride of my life, is now a
traitor to my Czar I You robbed me of my Honor, you
48 THE NEW CONVEBT
difgraeed my gn j hair, jou broke my age^ and rimi-
eoed my life! I disown you as my daogliter. Ton are
no more my child* I have no danghter any more.
Moormova shrieks and faints.
QOBUOfV
Mr. Moorinov, why for Clod's sake!
OOBLOVA, with strict orders to her husband.
Here now! ELeep away! Don't butt-in.
Kate
Papa, don't curse me. Don't forsake me. Tou will
not suffer through me. I'll fix it all, for I know a
remedy.
CURTAIN
ACT TWO
Scene : A poor but neatly furnished room. Gorlova
looks the same as in first act. Moorinova looks very
much older and feeble. Between the first and second
act two years have passed.
Gorlova
Well, my sister, I don't care whether you are going
to get angry or not, hut I must tell you the truth;
your hushand is not acting right. It's a sin before
God. It is His will and it must be so. We must not
sin against His will. Many parents lose their children,
still they don't kill themselves over it. You have other
relatives besides Kate.
MOOBINOVA
No, my sister, we have none, we have none; since
we lost her, it seems as if we lost everything. She was
the only one, the sunshine of our house.
Gk)BL0VA
Well, there are others and they have children and he
might think of them; but he acts as if they are stran-
gers to him. I am sure you are not. Why does he
keep you indoors all the time?
Moorinova
Oh well, never mind myself, if only he felt better.
He is now the only one I have.
90 THE NEW CONVERT
QOBLOVA
Why don't you eheer him np, and pnt new hope into
himf I snppofie yon keep crying and sighing before
him^ and of eoarse, that makes matt^is worse. Well,
yonVe been a hen all yonr lifetime, and I suppose
yonll die a hen my sister. It's too bad, at times I am
angry at yon, but as a sister yon see, I have to think
differently of yon and forgive yon« Well, I gness
111 go. Oood'bye, dear.
Bi$ing to go.
MooRmrovA
Oh, don't go I Sister I It's only once in a great while
we see each other. It's so lonesome here. Looks as if
a storm is nearing now. Do you see the lightning f
Oh look, look.
It is lightning.
OOBLOVA
Well, what's to fear, we all live under Gk)d. I am
not afraid.
MOORINOVA
I was once brave, nothing could scare me; but now,
oh dear, oh dear, everything scares me now. Some-
times the draught slams the door, and my heart almost
stops beating. The other day Akulina dropped the
tray with dishes; I got so frightened that I fainted.
At the time I thought someone was shooting and that
the walls were falling. The doctor says it's the heart.
Well, since I lost Kate, I've become a wreck. (Light-
THE NEW CONVERT 61
thing,) Oh dear, it's lightning again. I think I'll close
the window. (Closing.) Shall I light the lantern be-
fore the images?
GOBLOVA
Why notf Light up. No harm.
MoORiNOVA, lighting the lantern.
Shall I order the samovar? Will you have tea?
Gk)BLOVA
Yes sister. I will. It's kind of easier to chat at tea.
MOORINOVA
Well then, Fll order. (She rings the hell, rings
again. Then calls,) Akulinal (Voice behind the
scenes:) Yes mam.
GOBLOVA
Why, is she deaf?
MOOBINOVA
Well, no, she isn't, but she is rather slow and dreamy.
Enter Akulina.
MOOBINOVA
What's the matter with you? Were you sleeping?
Akulina
No mam. Was washing dishes.
62 THE NEW CONVERT
MOORINOVA
Very well then. Make the samovar.
Akulina
Tes mam. (Turning to go, she tips over a stand
vnth a flower-pot on it,)
MOOBINOVA
There I now you see what you Ve done I Why, you
are awfully careless. The other day you broke the
dishes, this time the flower-pot.
Akulina
Well 'tisn't my fault that Gbd created me such.
Goes out.
Gk)BLOVA
Well 1 And she has the nerve to answer yet ! Why
do you keep her?
MOOBINOVA
But who would keep her, the poor thing, if I should
discharge her? She is willing enough. She tries hard.
She is awkward, but she is good for plain work, clean-
ing, scrubbing, and washing. Of coure, I do not let
her do the parlor cleaning.
Gk)RLOVA
That's it, you see, that's why you look so bad. You
work too hard; and what does he say?
THE NEW CONVERT 53
MOOBINOVA
He tells me to get a chamber maid. We advertised
for one; but I don't seem to be able to get the right one.
(Enter Akulina with a boiling samovar,) Here is the
samovar. Pretty soon Pavel Michaelovitch will come
in. Don't mention anything to him. Don't remind
him of our loss. I know you mean well, you're a dear
soul, but don't do it today. Not this day. Oh no,
not today! . . .
Gk)RLOVA
Very well then, I won't say anything. But why I
must not say anything today I cannot understand.
What's the matter with today?
MOORINOVA
Tou can't understand, eh? (Bitterly.) An aunt is
not a mother, my dear, that is why you can't under-
stand. Today is just two years since we lost our Kate.
This morning we went to church and had a memorial
service. (Placing a handkerchief to her eyes.) Be-
lieve me, sister, it's two years and we, (sobs) we dare
not mention her name aloud. Understand? We don't
mention her name, not a word. Pavel Michaelovitch
feels that if he should mention her name I would burst
out into tears, and I feel the same . . . don't you see.
GORLOVA
You cannot remedy ill fate with words. It's best
to keep quiet about it. My man kept on from morning
to night about Kate and again about Kate. Well, I
told him the same. I forbade him to talk about her
and now he says not a word about Kate I
54 THE NEW CONVERT
MOOBINOVA
Oh sister, don't say that I If you talk things over
it does not lie so heavy on your heart. Look at Pavel
Michaelovitch. Two years ago he had not a gray hair
in his head, but now — all gray.
Gk)RLOVA
That's so. It almost killed him! That's so.
MOOBINOVA
Her farewell letter that we found on her table I am
wearing on my person. I don't read it myself nor do
I show it to father. Only on an occasion like today.
Of course, I cannot resist. (Thoughtful for a mo-
ment, then places handkerchief to her eyes,) If I only
knew her grave. If I only knew where to go to shed
tears over it, it would have been a relief. It seems for
our sins we are not worthy of this. Her hat was found
on the beach, but it seems her body went down to the
bottom of the sea, and then floated away with the tide.
Her dear little bones are washed by the sea waves.
(Sobbing, listens.) Is Pavel Michaelovitch coming?
Sister darling, let us not talk about this in his presence.
GORLOVA
No, that isn't him. It's someone else coming.
Enter Gorlov with a bouquet of white roses; seeing
his wife, he hides them behind Mm,
Gk)ELOV
How are you, Maria Ivanova I (To his wife.) I did
not expect to And you here.
THE NEW CONVERT 56
Gk)BLOVA
I see, I see that you didn't expect me here. What
is it you've got there?
QoBi/yy, stammering.
That's nothing. . . . That's just, you know, just ah
em, eh, — for today's sake. (To Moorinova.) I
brought it for you.
Gk)BLOVA
Such a bouquet I What a spendthrift. You never
brought me such a bouquet before.
MooBmovA
Thanks, thanks dearest; seems you loved Kate
pretty well. Oh how dear it is for a mother's heart!
Gk)RLOV
How could one help loving Kate?
GoBLOVA, (iside.
There they go again ! Watch them start it up again ;
the next thing you know, there'll be tears. (Aloud.)
Why do we all stand? Let us sit down. (PatAse,)
What is it you are sewing?
Moorinova
A cover for the table in the sitting room of the
orphanage, which Pavel Michaelovitch built in memory
of Kate. This orphanage is like a child to me. Any-
thing I do for the orphanage is as if I did it for Kfite.
56 THE NEW CONVERT
GORLOVA
You people are always circling around the same
spot. If you had taken one of the orphan girls into
your house you'd feel much better; it would be
some relief.
MOOBINOVA
Oh, well I (Sighing.) We old people are like dry
trees. The branches are there to stay, but new ones
never come.
Gk)RLOVA
But you hang on to one branch. We have about
eleven of those branches and I don't know who is bet-
ter off. Perhaps you are?
MOOBINOVA
0, sister! how can youf . . . this is God's will.
You must not . . .
OoRLOV, interrupting.
Don't you believe her. This is all talk. You just
ask her to give you one of those eleven and
you'll see
MOOBINOVA
Children are God's gift. Had we other children be-
sides Kate the loss would not have been so great.
There would have been others for whom to live. Wait
. . . (Listens. Footsteps are heard near the door.)
Say, is this dress made of French calico, or is it
from Moscow?
THE NEW CONVERT 57
Gk)BLOVA
From Moscow, a present I
MOOBIKOVA
Oh, how pretty!
Enter Moorinov.
MOOBINOV
Good evening, Mrs. Gorlova. That's right, that's
very nice of you to come and see ns once in a while.
(To Mr. Gorlov,) Oh, how are you getting along f
As young as ever? How are the children f
Gorlov
Thanks. They are all. Thank God, well. Why don't
you drop in to see us once in a while f
MOOBINOV, disregarding the answer.
How close it is here! why are all the windows shutT
MOOBINOVA
It was lightning and we were afraid.
MOOBINOV
There is no need of fearing lightning. They are
messengers of the coming storm.
GOBLOV
Ladies are supposed to be timid even if there is no
need of it.
58 THE NEW CONVERT
MoOBiKOVy pacing up and dovm.
Welly perhaps the storm is coming this way and
perhaps it will pass by ... it may end in nothing
• . • (Thoughtfully, absorbed.) Tes, and in onr
lives it is the same; and if we see slight lightning, —
we know a storm is coming, we have time to prepare
for the storm . . . but those sadden unexpected storms
... oh, they are awful. . • . You get suddenly
knocked down by a clap of thunder. . . . Gk>d forbid
such an attack I Some fall and never rise again,
others rise but they have not a dark hair on their
head • . • they get gray, my dear, all white. . . .
Gk)BL6VA
Pavel Michaelovitch, you are still repeating the same
story. Still you are torturing yourself. Be careful,
it's God's will. Take my advice, take a trip some-
where; a change will do you good. You always stick
at home and that is liable to kill anyone.
MOORINOV
Yes, it's true; it's lonesome at home. But if I go
anywhere it is still more lonesome and then I hurry
home as if someone is waiting for me there.
GOBLOVA
Pull yourself together, Pavel Michaelovitch; don't
let it get the best of you, for you might get yourself
into trouble. It's dangerous. We have a neighbor
where we live, — a widower. He lost his son, the only
one he had, and just like you he locked himself in
the house, — didn't go anywhere and wouldn't see any-
THE NEW CONVERT 69
body. He'd pace up and down in his room and talk
to himself just like you. And the Lord punished him
for it. After one week they took him to the insane
asylum. Well^ he was alone, he had no one; but you
have a wife and relatives. Just think how they would
feel. I am telling it to you as a relative of yours. For
pity's sake, strangers would not tell you such things.
What do they caref Don't be angry with me. Qood-
bye, sister, remember what I told you. Don't let him
go on this way. You'll be sorry then, but it will be too
late. Gk)od-bye.
Kisses Moorinova.
MoORmov
Why don't you wait a little T I'll send Akidina to
get a taxi, the storm may • • .
GORLOV
Never mind, no need of it, the storm is far off yet.
Exit,
MOOBINOV
She has remarkably strange ways to encourage
people. (Silence. Goes up to the window,) How
warm it is. Not a breeze . . .it is lightning again.
(Paces over the room, sighing.) Oh dear. Oh dear I • . •
MOOBINOVA
What did you sayT
MooBiNOV, yawning.
Nothing, nothing. (Silence.) What time is itT
eo THE NEW CONVERT
McxKorofVA
About nine. . . . Why do we sit in the daikf
Attempts to light a etmdle.
MoCffOMOfV
Wait, don't lig^ ! It's better that way. Oh dear,
oh dear! . . . Tea, nine . . • then ten . . . deven.' • .
MoosasovA
Aren't yon feeling wdl?
Mo(miKOv
No, no, I am jnst . . . that is . . . (Stops.) Hon-
estly, I don't know what is the matter with me ... it
is so close, the air is so heavy, it chokes me, and here
(points to his heart) I have sneh a strange feeling, a
bnming sensation, and my heart beats so fast. . . .
MOORIKOVA
It's the air, and perhaps the tea you drank was too
strong. Tou most not drink strong tea towards night.
Will yon take some of my drops T
MOOBINOV
Oh, what's the use of drops I It's the air, really if s
heavy; always before a storm the air is that way.
The door hell is heard in the entry, hut the couple
pay no attention. Enter Masha; she remains at the
door. She wears very plain clothes and a handker-
ekief over her head; she holds a small hundle under
hermrms.
THE NEW CONVERT 61
MoOBiNOVA, without turning around.
Akulina, is that youT Light the candles, will youT
(To herself.) I really don't know how to pass
the time.
Masha
It's me, mam I
MOORINOVA
Gracious, but you scared me! You? Who are yout
Masha
I read in the papers that you need a girl, mam, a
servant in the house, and I came to get the position.
MOOBINOVA
But who comes into a strange house without
permission?
Masha
I rang the bell, mam. I had no reply. The door was
open so I walked in. Thought I'd meet someone.
I b^ to be excused, mam.
MOORINOVA
Well, never mind. I forgive you this time. So you
wish to be a servant girl? *
Masha
Yes mam I
62 THE NEW CONVERT
MOORIKOVA
I know you want to; but can you be onet Can you
iron starched clothes T
Masha
I may not be able to do it just so, but I'll get used
to it, mam.
MOORINOVA
Oh no! That won't do I You b^^ to learn and
you'll spoil all my laundry.
Masha
I'll try not to.
MOOBINOVA
WhatT Talk louder. I can't hear you.
Masha
I'll try to please you. I've never been a servant
before.
MOOBIKOVA
I see. Well, can you sewT
Masha
Not quite, but I'll try. I wouldn't want much, mam.
Anything you'll give me, will be thankfully accepted.
I can read, mam. I went to school, I'll read things
to you. • • •
THE NEW CONVERT 63
MoORiNOVy comes near the table.
Have you a passport with youT
Masha
Yes sir, with me, sir I (Beaches in her bosom.
Moorinov lights the candle.)
MOOBINOVA
There you are. You don't know how to iron, you
don't know how to sew, but you can read. Who needs
your reading T
Masha, hands over passport.
Here it is sir, in good order.
Moorinov, reads.
Girl . . .Maria Andreyeva Meschanka . . .Twenty-
five . . . Hml face round . . . chin round . . . eyes
round . . . nose round . • . Well, everjiihing round,
perfect all around, a perfect round orphan. Here,
take this.
Hands passport to her and paces up and down
the room,
MOOBINOVA
Well, I don't think I'll have you. You can't do
anything. I'm afraid you'll spoil everything. I am
sorry, but I can't have you.
Masha, places passport into bosom.
Please mam, take me, have pity.
64 THE NEW CONVERT
MOOBINOVA
Well now, see for yourself. You don't know any-
thing. You don't know how to do things. I'll get
tired of you.
MoORiNOVy at the window.
Look here, young girl, you had better put an ad in
the paper that you can read and you might get a po-
sition that way.
Masha
I can't wait, sir.
MOOBINOVA
There are others that get work that way. You might
get it, too.
Masha, persistently.
But why don't you try mef . . .
MoORiNOV, nervous.
Oh Lord! . . .
MOOBINOVA
What did you say t
MOOBINOV
Oh nothing. It's just the lightning; it was strong.
(To Masha.) Well, my dear, you had better go. The
Lord be with you. I'm sure He'll help you.
THE NEW CONVERT 66
Maska, with anger.
I don't know about that I
MOOBINOVA
And you have a temper too, ehT
MOOBINOV
WhatT You'll stand here and give us back talkf
Go on I Go on I Leave this house!
Masha, decidedly.
No 1 1 won't I I have nowhere to go. (Throws down
bundle and pulls off handkerchief from head.) Don't
you recognize mef (In a low tone.) It is I . . . your
daughter, Kate. . . .
MoOBiNOVA; jumps up.
What IT What is that T
MooBiNOV, trembling — steps back.
Ton • . • why, who is itt (Comes nearer and looks
into her face.) Elate! (Gets down on his knees.)
My God 1
MoORiNOVA, frightened.
Oh Gk)d! Is it trueT Am I dreaming T (Crosses
herself.) Is it possible f In the name of all the saints I
Kate, helping father to rise.
Forgive me, papa, forgive me!
66 THE NEW CONVERT
MoOBiNOVA; breathless.
It's her! My Kate I My dear darling child!
(Pressing her to her heart.) My only child I
Sobbing.
MOOBINOV
She is living I living; thank God I
KatE; seating mother on sofa.
Now be calm, mother; don't excite yourself; sit
down. I am sorry for all this excitement. You'll for-
give me mama, won't youT
MoORiNOVA, forcibly seating Kate on her lap.
I won't let you go, no, I won't let you I (Kissing
her at every phrase.) My joy I You naughty girl!
Darling! Where is father t Here, come here ! What
are you doing there at the window T Look who's
herel ...
MoOBiNOV, comes near Kate and places his hand on
her head, - 4
Kate, you almost killed us . . . But you came back
and we will thank €K)d. Understand me. Elate, I have
outlived it all. You might think I have cursed you,
and denied you as my daughter T Oh, no! That very
same evening I went to your room to forgive you,
but you were not there. Now Kate, dear, forgive me
as I forgive jrou !
THE NEW CONVERT 67
Kate
To forgive you I
Throws herself on his neck,
MOORINOV
She is back again, back in my arms at my heart.
Oh, God; I thank thee I I thank thee. Oh Lord, for
everything, for thy punishment and likewise for thy
mercif uhiess; for the sunshine which thou hast sent
me now, after the cloudy life of late. I am thankful
for everything, Oh Lord, and rejoice in thy gift which
thou hast sent me for all my sufferings.
Eatb
Papa, don't excite yourself, listen to me, I have
something to tell you, both of you.
MoOBiNOVA, looking at Kate's face.
Her eyes . . . brows . . . the dear little nose . . .
she is grown a little thinner ... eh f Oh yes, my
darling, but where have you been all this timef
MooRmov
Why don't you wait, mother T Let her tell it
herself. . . .
MOOBIKOVA, undecided.
But you are not from . . . from . . . the cemetery
. . • and • • . not from the water . • • are you. • . .
68 THE NEW CONVERT
KatE; laughing.
No, mother dear, no, not from the cemetery
nor water.
MOOBINOV
Your smile, my dear, is still the same, happy and
pleasing. Am I dreaming, or do I really hear your
dear voice again f
Kate
No, papa dear, you are not dreaming; it is all true.
I will tell you all. But here things don't seem the
same. (Looks around.) Everything is changed. Did
you get poort Are you ruined T
MOORINOV
No, dear, I am richer now than I was, but we have
changed our way of living since we lost you. I
changed considerably soon after your disappearance,
I suddenly felt a dislike toward all luxury, hatred
against the race for money and wealth, I wanted to
leave it all, to give it all away, everything that I fought
for all my life, I wanted to be poor, to live with the
poor, to share with them, as you used to tell me, do you
remember T I have always remembered and repeated
your words. There is no greater happiness than to
wipe a tear from the eyes of the stranger and to share
your happiness with Um.
MOORINOVA
Oh, come now, why do you tell her such things. You
only make her feel bad.
THE NEW CONVERT 69
Kate
No, no, papa tell me, tell me more; it makes me
happy to hear you speak that way.
MooRmov
WhyT
Kate
We seem to be much nearer to each other. You
never had that pity before, the pity towards others,
towards the unfortunate ones.
MOORINOV
And are you still the sameT
Kate
Yes, more so than before, although people say we
are beasts.
Smiling,
MOOBINOV
"We"t Who are the "we"T Of whom are you
talking f However, (caressing her) now we will live
together, we will never part; you shall help me and we
will be everywhere together.
Kate
It would be delightful, papa. I would be so glad
. . . but I cannot stay with you and I cannot help
you. I only came here to stay for a little while, until
the storm is over. . . •
Moorinov and Moorinova look at each other in alarm.
70 THE NEW CONVERT
MoOBiNOVA; aside.
Oh God, has she lost her mindf
MOORINOV
Why can't you stayT Why only for a while T
What storm T
Kate
I cannot, I must not appear as your daughter any-
where. Your daughter is dead . . . She is drowned
. . . She does not exist ... So let it be that way
... I am a ^^und orphan" and my name is Maria
Andreyevna. ... I can only stay here in your house
as a servant. . . . Masha ^(dll be my name. Tou un-
derstand t ... Of course, for you only I am Kate,
your daughter, but for strangers I must be Masha. . . .
If you can't . . • then . . . then . . . then Fll have
to leave you. • . .
Moorinov lowers his head in thought.
MOOBINOVA
She is insane! Insanel . . .
MOOBINOV
Oh yes ! I see . . . you cannot I I understand . . •
Very well, you cannot I Otherwise . . . certainly I
(In a lower voice.) I am perfectly satisfied. . . .
Stay right here with us. . . . You are a stranger from
Kroushtat, a servant girl, Maria Andreyevna. (To
his wife.) This girl stays here . . . her name is
Maria . . . Masha! ... I want you to remember it.
THE NEW CONVERT 71
MoORiNOVA; aside,
And he is crazy, too! ... Oh LordI Oh Lord!
(To Kate.) Come to me, Kate I . . .
MoOBiNOV, stamping his foot.
Not Kate, but Masha I Now let me have your pass-
port, Mashal
Kate hands over her passport. Moorinov examines
the document near the candle.
MOOBINOVA
So you were all the time in KroushtatT And what
were you doing there T
Kate
I was never in Kroushtat. This passport is not
mine. Don't worry, mama, please!
Kisses her.
MOOBINOVA
Why is it not yours T Whose is it, thenf
MOOBINOV
Leave her alone. . . •
Kate
Mama, can't you understand T I went to those whom
you call Nihilists — since I left your house. I went
to them and I stayed with them for the past two years.
72 THE NEW CONVERT
MOOBIKOVA
And you did not let ns know even once? Ton have
not called on ns even once during all this time. Oh,
how could you!
MOOBINOV
Leave her alone I
Ejlte
I know, but I could not, don't you see, I could not.
Do you think I did not long for youf Do you think
I did not want to look at you if only once during all
this time? Or at least to send you a note, a message?
I felt so sorry for you, but I could not. They watched
every step, every move of ours. It would have ruined
you and myself. It was better to cut off every com-
munication between us rather than to take chances.
MOOBINOVA
So you loved us just the same? And you were
thinking of us?
Kate
Mama I
• •
MOORINOV
Let me see, and where do you come from now?
Kate
Now? Well, I'll tell you, we lived on the sands near
the harbor. We had a secret printing plant. I was
one of the composers. . . . Shall I tell you all?
THE NEW CONVERT 73
MOOBINOV
Yes, tell me all, everything!
Ejlte
Very well. The police discovered us. Today they
were to make a raid on us. We left everything and
escaped. I stayed near by with a family; but it be-
come dangerous, so I come to you. Tou live in a new
house and no one would know me here. I can stay here
with you as your servant until the danger is over, un-
til the storm goes by. (To father.) Papa, can you
hide me? Tell me if you cannot — I will leave
you now.
MOOBINOV
No Kate. Stay right here, don't go. I'll take care
of you. I will protect you. (Turns away,) But I gave
my oath to the Czar, I kissed the cross, promised to be
faithful. . . . But do we think when we give our oath?
(Gets down on his knees before the image,) Oh Gk)d,
forgive me I
CURTAIN
ACT THREE
80ENE : A room as in first act. Morning. Moorinov
is sitting on the sofa vnth a newspaper in his hands,
reading and smoking a pipe. Moorinova is putting on
her hat before a mirror. Akulina is standing near her.
Kate (Masha) is standing near the door, dressed in a
calico dress and a white apron. It is Sunday. Church
hells are heard from the distance. Between the 2nd
and 3rd act, two weeks have elapsed.
MOORIKOVA
How is the weather to-day?
Akulina
It is beautif uly mam, it is very pleasant and breezy.
MOOBINOVA
Well, I guess FU put my cape on.
Moorinov, strict and loud.
Masha I Why, what are you standing there like a
pole for?
Masha (Kate)
What shall I do, sir?
MOOBINOV
What shall I do? Didn't you hear the Madame say
Ai iridiflB to put on her cape? Hurry up now!
THE NEW CONVERT 75
Kate^ getting the cape and putting it on the mch
dame's shoulders.
Will you take the umbrella with you, mamf
MOORINOVA
No, I guess not. Well, so now Fll go. GK)od-bye!
MOORINOV
Good-bye. I'll finish my smoke and then 111 go over
to the architect. I promised to call on him today.
MOOBINOVA
I'll go now. (Kate is stepping out of the way. To
Kate.) Why don't you go ahead and open the door?
Don't you know your duty?
MooBmov
That's right, tell her, teach her right. That's
the way.
MoORiNOV, alone, sighing.
It is comical, yet it is painfuL . • • (Enter Kate
with a broom.) Well, what is this for?
Kate
Akulina said I am to sweep the rooms.
MooBiNoy
No, it is not necessary. Well, dear, what do you
think of me as your boss? Did I assert myself all
76 THE NEW CONVERT
right? '^ Say, what are you standing there like a pole
for?" Ha, Ha, Hal Wasn't that fine! (Looks
around and kisses Kate on the forehead hastily.) Let
me have the broom, Kate, no one is here now.
Kate
Don't papa, Akolina might come in.
MOORINOV
How would she dare to? What for? and if she does
and sees me sweep. Well, then of course I am show-
ing you how, teaching you, you see. . . . Let go. . . .
Sweeping.
Kate
Oh, papa, please, let me do that.
MOORINOV, bending down and reaching with the
broom under the sofa.
Get out of my way! See how much dirt there is?
Masha, get out of the way! ...
Kate
Papa, the architect is waiting for you.
Kate playfully snatches the broom from his hands.
MOOBINOV
Oh yes, yes. ... I had better go over to him. I'll
come back soon. Oh quit that Kate, quit that
dirty work I
THE NEW CONVERT 77
Kate
Just a moment, papa.
MOORINOV
This instmment doesn't become you. It is not be-
coming you at all, Kate! (Lowers his voice,) but that
other instrument I took out from the bundle. It is on
the table in the other room.
Ejlte
Oh, that revolver? I couldn't think where I put
it. I was wondering where it was ... it is a little
one and I thought I lost it.
MOOBIKOV
Yes, it is little but it can do great harm. ... I
guess it can make lots of noise.
Kate
But be careful, papa, it is loaded. • . .
MOOBIKOV
Never mind, my dear, you can't scare me. (Shaking
his finger at her.) Oh you heroes! Guess I'll go.
Lock the door after me. (Kisses her forehead.)
Good-bye Kate.
Kate
What did you say? Kate?
78 THE NEW CONVERT
MOOBINOV
Masha! My coat, my hat and my cane, quick!
(Kate brings all in. Moorinov puts his coat on, looks
around carefully, kisses Kate and goes to the door.)
Gk)od-bye I
Kate, calls Mm,
Papal
MoOBiNOV, returns.
What is it?
Kate
I want to ask you something.
Moorinov
WeU?
Kate, imploringly.
But you promise you will do it for me?
MOOBIKOV
Oh, you bad girl! Very well, I promise. It isn't
something terrible?
Katb
No papa, not all! Where does your architect live?
MOOBIKOV
On Litton Street. WeU?
THE NEW CONVERT 79
Kate
On your way back, go down Earochny Street and
stop at the first comer, will youf
MOOBINOV
Yes, m do that. And what then?
Kate
On that comer you'll see a five-story brick house,
of a light yellow color; — ^you'll see it. Then you look
at the top floor at the second window from the comer
and see whether a white umbrella is in the window,
just like this one.
Pointing at one in the hall.
MOOBINOV
All right. Second window from the comer on fifth
floor. White parasol in window. What of it?
EIate
That's all! Oh yes, something else. If you'll see
the parasol, get a cab and come back as fast as you
can, but if not . . . (Lowers her head.) No, if you do
not see it, come back still faster. I want to know.
MOOBIKOV
What does all this mean? I cannot understand
a thing.
Kate
Why, papa, can't you guess?
80 THE NEW CONVERT
MOOBINOV
Oh yes! I see^ a signal.
Kate
That's right} a signal from my dear Dimitry.
MOOBINOV
Dimitryt Who is het
Kate
Why, don't you know, Norov I Did you forget him?
If the parasol's in the window then it means he is
alive and I shall see him. So go now, papa darling,
and come back quickly with good news.
MooRiNOV, mth enthim<i8in.
Do you know what I'll do f I'll take a cab right now
and go direct to that place and I will come back right
away. Never mind the architect. He can wait. I can
go there tomorrow. I'll go over to that place right now.
EIate, throws her hands around his neck.
My dear, darling papa, thank you!
MOOBINOV
Good-bye!
Goes quickly out.
THE NEW CONVERT 81
EIate, alone.
Oh what a dear papa I have I (Sweeps the floor
with broom, absorbed in thought.) Hew, what dustl
I'll open the window. (Opens the window.) What a
beautiful morning I Oh, how I would like to be out on
the field or in the woods or on the lake I and here I
have to sit between the four walls as in a prison. I
can't even put my head out anywhere. Shall I go out
on the veranda? It is so quiet here in this neighbor-
hood. Who could see me here? There are no spies
here, and even if one should happen to be around lie
wouldn't know me in these clothes. (About to go.)
No, I'd better put my uniform on and get the little
instrument for emergency's sake.
She puts her bonnet on, throws a towel over her
shoulder and taking a bucket of water goes out on the
veranda; she can be seen by the audience as she is
cleaning the windows from the veranda side, singing
Luchinushka. Her voice is at first low, then louder
and louder, then again lower. She tries to keep herself
calm, though she is very nervous as she ends the verse.
Katb, runs in alarmed.
It is he, it's he I Oh, what if he recognized me? He
is apt to do almost anything; he is serving the police
now, the secret service. Why did I sing? Now what
shall I do? Shall I run from here, now, as long as it
is not too late? What will they think, my father and
mother if they don't find me here? No it won't do!
Papa wouldn't know what to say in my absence if the
police should call. I had better wait until he comes
))ack. (Sits down. Boor bell rings.) That's papal
How quickly he came back. (Goes out to open the
82 THE NEW CONVERT
door; from the hall her voice is heard!) " No, he isn't
home." (Volhov's voice,) "How soon will he be
back?" (Kate's voice,) "I don't know!" (Heavy
footsteps are heard, and Volkov's voice,) " Then I'll
leave him a note."
Enter Volkov,
YoLKGV, looks around.
What? and the madame isn't home either?
Kate, from the hall.
No sir I
VOLKOV
Look here, my dear. What is your name? Did you
sing there on the veranda? (Silence.) She is gone?
(Paces over the room.) The devil take it I I'll bet any-
thing it's her all right. Height, figure and the voice!
Why, I got thunder-struck, surprised, when I heard
that song in her voice. But she is dead, she was
drowned. ... Oh well . . . that's nothing. Those
things happen. . . . Hm, weU, taking in consideration
the proclamation we found in her home once, and her
acquaintance with Norov . . . this seems to be sus-
picious, very suspicious indeed. It's too bad it was so
dark in the hall. Coming in from the street, I couldn't
see a thing. Well, that can be fixed. I'll call her near
the window. If she doesn't come, then it's her. (Bings
hell, rings again, louder, goes up to the open door
leading into the hall.) Hey, where are you? (Claps
his hands,) Say, girl I (Kate's voice, " Wellf ") Can
you bring me a glass of water? (Kate's voice, '' Tes
sir. ") Now we'll see. . . .
THE NEW CONVERT 83
Goes up to the window, sits down on a chair and
puts on eye glasses. Pause; Kate comes in with a glass
of water. She is dressed in the same clothes as in the
second act. She puts the glass on the little table near
the door,
VOLKOV
Bring it here, right here I
Kate
Excuse me, sir. I am busy; I have no time.
VoLKOv, jumps up.
Here, wait, just a moment. She is gone I What do
you think about that? I (Stops, perplexed.) Is it she
or not? her eyes and figure seem the same. . . . The
voice and hair seem different. It's her I If it were
elsewhere, there would be reason for doubt, but here in
this house (rubs his hands). Well, Miss Katherine,
I've got you this time I Of course, I am not going to
do you any harm. Revenge f Nonsense! A sensible
fellow makes a little money out of such an opportimity.
Now I'll have to go easy. Tes sir, just easy. It's no
use making a noise about it. It's possible I'm mis-
taken. At any rate I'll just watch the old man, his
expressions and actions. This is a slick job. What
shall the excuse for this visit be? Oh yes! The orph-
anage. I'll start in with this and then we'll see. I'll
have to pick out a good convenient place where I can
keep my eye on the " birdie," so that she doesn't slip
out right here at the window. (Sits down near win-
dow,) It's a good thing I have the police whistle with
me, and in case of necessity I can signal for police.
84 THE NEW CONVERT
The old man isn't home yet I I wish he'd hnrry up.
(Looks through the window.) There^ there he
comes now I
Enter Moorinov breathing fast and smiling enthus-
iastically; he becomes alarmed upon seeing Volkov.
Moorinov
You heret (Changes his tone.) What can I do for
you, sirt
VOLKOV, watching Moorinov closely.
Pardon me, sir, for troubling you. I understand
that after what's happened here between us in the past,
it seems quite strange to find me here. I came here
for business and I will not keep you long. I am here,
so to speak, on a business of a philanthropic character.
It is in connection with your orphanage. Will you
allow me to explain?
Moorinov^ mth a sigh of relief, and very friendly.
Why, certainly. With pleasure. Won't you sit
down?
VoLKOv, sits down.
You see, a friend of mine, a charitable lady of high
standing wishes to make a donation towards the funds
of your orphanage. Of course, she has not quite de-
cided yet, but in the meantime she asked me to make
inq^uiries as to how contributions are made. As a wo-
man, you know, she is always afraid that she might
be swindled out of her money. For the best informa-
tion I decided to see you sir, and I hope you will have
no objection and will excuse me if . . .
THE NEW CONVERT 85
MOOBIKOV
Oh not not at all! I appreciate it very much, I'm
sure, but you've troubled yourself unnecessarily. Here
is our circular (hands it to him) with all details. To-
morrow morning, if you will call at the office, you will
see the superintendent and he will give you all other
information.
Rises as a sign to end conversation,
VOLKOV, pays no attention and makes himself more
comfortable in his chair.
Allow me to ask you, sir, if it is no secret, how long
it is since your orphanage was established?
MooBiNOv, displeased.
Why should it be a secret? Here it is in this cir-
cular. The orphanage was opened about six months
after my daughter's death.
VOLKOV
Oh yes, yes. I remember now I It was in the daily
news. That is so, about six months after your daugh-
ter's death, or her sudden disappearance. . . . Yes,
yes . . . and isn't it strange, that though there may
be no special reason for it, yet a person, one has known
in the past, will suddenly rush through one's memory
with the most detailed vividness. Is it not strange,
Mr. Moorinov? Does it ever happen to you?
MOOBINOV, unwillingly.
Oh no, thank Godl I am not suffering from such
illusions. (Looking at Volkov for a few seconds,) I
86 THE NEW CONVERT
can't see why we should choose such a gloomy subject
for our conversation. Would you like to have a cig-
arette? One of these?
VOLKOV, lights a cigarette, stretches out in the arm
chair and puffs away.
It's quite a little while, sir, since we so unexpectedly,
and I might say, so tragically parted.
MooBiKOV, uneasy.
You seem to have had good luck all this time. Tou
are looking well.
VoLKOV, waves his hand.
Oh, no, sir I You are joking I Why, since my uncle
lost his position my beautiful days have ended. I am
ship-wrecked and I am sitting, so to say, on a rock. . . .
At times I sit down to play cards with about one
rouble in my pocket. What can I do f Things seem to
go aginst me. My uncle and I were always too honest,
,too straightforward and we have lots of enemies. But
I am on the lookout for them . • . the time will come I
ril get my revenge yet. (Smokes.) Have you heard
about my change in position?
MOORINOV
No sir, I have not.
VOLKOV
Haven't you? Strange! I suppose you do not read
the papers lately. You take no interest in the world.
THE NEW CONVERT 87
Of course, I understand, after such a great misfor-
tune. . . . (Puffs away at his cigarette,) Yes sir, I
changed my position. During the time of peace, it did
not seem to me quite correct to be in the army and
draw a salary without being really useful to my coun-
try. So I joined the police department. At present
we have no external enemies, but we have a very deadly
enemy in our midst, and as an honorable citizen and
a patriot of my country I have decided to join the
ranks of those who protect the government.
MooBiNOV, alarmed.
So you are serving the police?
VOLKOV
Yes sir I have the honor! You do not seem to ap-
prove of it, quite?
MOOEINOV
Oh no, not at all I It is your business.
VOLKOv, smoking.
My work is getting to be interesting and even roman-
tic. You meet with a number of sudden coincidences.
I'll tell you, for instance, of one, — ^a very strange and
amusing one. About two weeks &g6 the police dis-
covered a revolutionary printing plant in a private
house. . . . Does your head ache?
MOORINOV
No sir! not at all.
88 THE NEW CONVERT
VOLKOV
It seem'd to me you got pale.
MOORINOV
Yes, I am tired today and these stories don't seem
to interest me.
VOLKOV
No, you just listen. It is remarkable. Well sir,
that house had for its occupants two young men and
a young lady. . . . Mr. Moorinov, why don't you take
a little water? Here.
Fills the glass.
MOOBINOV
Never mind, don't bother yourself about me.
VOLKOV
Very well, sir, just as you say. Now, what was I
going to say? Oh yes I So the police were a little too
late and all three of them disappeared.
MooRiKOV, yawning.
Really, I don't know what you are talking about and
I am not a bit interested. They do not concern me at
all, those police affairs.
VOLKOV
Is that so? (Rising,) Well sir, we are here alone,
so I might as well tell it to you plainly. That
young lady is right here in your house.
THE NEW CONVERT 89
MOOBINOV
What? What young lady? What are you talking
about? You are dreaming!
Sits down and swallows a little water.
VOLKOV
Look here, Mr. Moorinov, your perturbation is giv-
ing you away. You know whom I mean. Your daugh-
ter, Kate, Katherine Pavlovnal
Moorinov^ laughs awkwardly,
Hal Hal Hal Well, weU I and what else?
YOLKOV, also laughing.
Ha Hal She is here ... as a servant . . . wears
a nice little apron . . . she opened the door for
me I . . .
Moorinov
How dare you make a laughing stock of me I You
are playing upon a very tender spot in my heart. My
daughter? She is dead! She is gone forever!
VOLKOV
She was dead, — ^is that what you mean to say? But
she came back; she rose from the dead. Those things
happen even in our prosaic life, although the law does
not approve of this.
90 THE NEW CONVERT
MooBiNOV; jumps up and paces up and down.
And still you insist on this? You axe deranged!
You must see a doctor quick. (Steps in front of him
with tears in his voice.) Why don't you leave me
alone? 1 What have I done to you?
VOLKOV, very kindly.
Oh no ! not at all I Mr. Moorinov. You haven't done
anything to me and I really do pity you. But you
will admit that I cannot let such a splendid oppor-
.tunity go by. . . . That means my whole future. I
have suffered enough and now I must not let a good
chance slip by. Your daughter Katherine is married
already, but I am not and I intend to get married
soon, so of course, I need everything that will help me
to rise in my position. To be sure, it is not very pleas-
ant for a father to hear this, but — well she will be
arrested one of these days, anyhow. If I don't do it,
someone else will. Pause; (Volkov rises and speaks
in an official tone.) In my capacity as an ofBicer of
the law, I must arrest a political criminal who is hid-
den in your house! Your daughter Katherine Pav-
lovna Moorinov.
Starts in the direction to the kitchen.
Moorinov
Daughter? What daughter? Who told you it is my
daughter? You have no right to arrest an innocent
girl on groundless suspicion.
Volkov
If my suspicions were groundless until now, your
manner has absolutely confirmed them !
THE NEW CONVERT 91
MooRiNOVy stands in Volkoi/s way.
You can only pass over my dead body.
VOLKOV
And still you daim that is not your daughter?
MoOBiKOVy crushed.
Yes it is, it is my daughter! My daughter! but you
will have to kill me first before you can get near her!
(Catches hold of Volkov and shouts.) Bun Kate, run !
save yourself at once!
VoLKOVy frees himself and steps near the window.
Pavel Michaelovitch, stop that! don't be silly. I
need only to blow this whistle once (showing him the
police whistle) and I will have police enough to arrest
a dozen of you.
MooRiNOV, falls back in the armchair and holds his
head in his hands.
You coward ! Judas ! €k) on, finish your mean, dirty
work. You came here in my house as a friend. I re-
ceived you as one, but you have betrayed me. You will
be rewarded for this cowardice and rascality. But
remember, the curses of a father and the hatred of
every honest man will follow you to your grave. Ck)
on, now ! What are you standing here for?
Volkov
Calm yourself, Mr. Moorinov. I have thought the
matter over. I do not wish to ruin your life. I shall
92 THE NEW CONVERT
leave your daughter with you. (Moorinov's face
changes. He slowly holds his hand out to Volkov, who
stops him with a sign of his hand,) But for such an
offer by which I risk my whole future — for such an
offer I hope you will recompense me with a part of
your capital. You don't expect any presents from me,
do you?
MOOBINOV
Oh nol certainly notl I fully agree with you
there. . . . How much do you think your loss is worth
to you?
Volkov, watching Moorinov closely.
About fifty thousand.
Moorinov, surprised.
What ! Why, I haven't got such a sum and I cannot
get it, either.
VOLKOV
Now, Mr. Moorinov, I wouldn't haggle if I were
you. Don't you think your daughter is worth fifty
thousand?
Moorinov
I give you my word of honor that I haven't got
even half of it. I am practically a poor man. You
know I gave nearly all my fortune away. Otherwise
I would willingly. . . .
Kate enters quietly, without a bonnet and apron.
THE NEW CONVERT 93
Kate
Papa, please quit that useless comedy. I came at
your call and I also heard the beautiful offer of this
gentleman. (To Volkov,) You need not ruin your-
self at all. Tou may obtain your promotion. Now
you can arrest me. I am ready.
Volkov
Miss Katherine, what do you take me for? I may
have spoken harshly when you were not here. But
your presence has put an entirely different complexion
on this matter. When you stand before me so beauti-
ful and so charming, there can be no thought even of
such a thing as an arrest, even if I had to lose the
greatest of careers. What is the most hopeful future
in comparison with possessing you as a friend? I am
happy to be able to serve you in any possible way and
to press this dear hand of yours. (Holds his hand
out to her. Kate steps hack.) You refuse me? Just
as brave as ever! It becomes you, Miss Katherine, I
do declare!
MOOBIKOV
Kate, leave us here. I have to talk with Mr. Volkov
alone. I'll call you if FU need you. . . .
Kate
Papa, you'll never free yourself from this snake.
He has already wound himself around you ready to
strangle you. Can't you see it? He will suck every
coin, everything out of you and then he will betray you.
94 THE NEW CONVERT
VOLKOV
You are not aware of your own wonderful power,
Miss Katherine. If I should take you away from your
father, I should lose the only chance of ever seeing you.
I should lose, perhaps, the possible chance of ever
changing your bad opinion of me, for I want you to
become my friend. Do you think that during these
two long years I could have possibly forgotten you?
MooRiKOV, nervofAsly,
Kate, leave us, I tell you, right now ! I am no child.
Please don't interfere in my afEairs.
E!ate
Very well, papa, I'll go if it is your wish, but . . .
MoOBiNOV, angrily.
Go, and not a word!
VoLKOV, to Kate.
1 hope you will allow me, before leaving us, to offer
you my best respect?
Kate leaves the room without turning hack.
MOOBINOV
You must excuse her conduct. The youngsters some-
times do not understand certain things. Well, now,
how about our deal?
THE NEW COITVEBT 96
YOLKOV, after watching Kate leave the room.
I cannot take anything less than fifty thousand. I
could have asked for more than that. I could have
asked for four times as much and you would have to
give it to me even if you had to dig the ground for it.
And besides, Miss Katherine could have been a little
more lenient towards me.
MooBiNOV^ breathing heavily.
But I haven't got it I I haven't got so much money I
I am poor, I distributed the greatest part of my for-
tune. I simply haven't got it, I tell you I
VOLKOV
Well, I am ready to help you out and to make it
more convenient for you. You pay me in cash, say
thirty, — ^well, we'll say twenty-five thousand and for
the balance I'll take a note, say for three months. I'll
be able to cash the note. You have a big house and
orchard. Your note is good, and you will be able to
release the note after the three months or during that
time. Well, what do you say? Is it all right?
MOORINOV
All right. We'll let it go at that ! You are ruining
me. You are taking away my last shirt, but we'll let
it go at that. I'm satisfied. (Counts out the cash and
then writes the note.) Here it is ; your money and the
note. But you have to give me your oath, that you
will never ^ow your nasty face here again and that
you will never get near my daughter again.
96 THE NEW CONVERT
VOLKOV
Don't, Mr. Moorinov, don't excite yourself. It af-
feets your health. Why should I discontinue such
splendid acquaintance under such favorable dreum-
stances? And why should you excite yourself about
it? Such a girl as Katherine Pavlovna is able to take
care of herself. I'll only go in to see her just for
a minute.
Starts in the direction where Kate left.
MOOBINOV
Back; you rascal !
VOLKOV
But I promised. . . .
MOOBINOV
Back!
VOLKOV, shrugs his shoulders.
Why back; when it's possible to go forward? (Goes
out. Moorinov quickly takes out a revolver from a
drawer and runs after Volkov behind the scenes in
the other room. Moorinov's voice is heard.) Here
you have it, take this.
A revolver shot is heard.
MooBiNOV, returning,
I killed himi
Enter Kate hastily.
,1
THE NEW CONVERT 97
Kate
Father, father I . . . (Puts her arms around his
neck; looks at him.) Oh, how pale you are! (Takes
him by the arm.) Come father, come sit down
right here.
MoOBiNOV, pointing at the temple.
Here, it struck him right here. . . . Kate dear, I
couldn't help it! . . . Dead! . . . (Hides his face in
his hands.) Oh God! I killed a man! . . .
Kate
No, he was worse than a wild beast. Calm yourself,
papa, don't excite yourself I
St(mds on her knees and kisses his right hand.
MooBiNOV, hiding his hand.
Don't, Kate, don't kiss this hand.
Kate
No papa, this is a noble hand; you need not hide it
ataU.
MOOBINOV
i couldn't help it. That was the only thing I could
do. (Straightens himself and stands up.) Time is
precious and I must not waste it. I will go over to
the judge and make a full confession, I'll explain
everything to them and let them arrest me. Try and
calm mother. Tell her, she will understand it. You
cannot remain here after I make my confession, — so
98 THE NEW CONVERT
you had better get away for a while. (Looks around.)
You had better go to Gorlov, your unde; he loves you
and he will do everything for you. May the Lord
g^de you, my dear child I (Embraces her,) Good-
bye! (Makes a start towards the door and suddenly
stops.) Oh yes, I ahnost forgot to report to you about
my errand. I was there where you asked me to go.
EIate
WeU?
MOORINOV
He came out of the house while I was on the street,
looking at the parasol in the window. He recognized
me. He came up to me and we had a talk. He gave
me a letter for you. I have it with me. Here it is.
(Takes it out from his inside pocket.) Here is the
letter. ... He told me not to forget and tell you that
you must be sure and bum it as soon as you read it.
^o don't forget it. Now that is all. WeU, good-bye,
good-bye!
Goes out.
Kate is sitting alone on the sofa somewhat stunned,
with the open letter in her hands on her lap. She
looks straight ahead without moving. Suddenly her
eyes fall on the letter. As if touched by an electric
shock she gives one shriek, then with intense interest
she reads the letter half aloud.
Kate
My darling, my dear! I am writing you in a hurry.
I was delighted to have seen your father. He is a
THE NEW CONVERT 99
grand old man. Now I am positive that you are per-
fectly safe under his guidance. I think he would go
on the cross for you if necessary! . . . ''He is gone
on the cross, he is gone already I" (She hides her face
in her hands and falls on a pillow, sobs a little while,
then she raises her head, wipes her tears off her eyes
and braces up. Continues reading.) The hardest
work is yet to be done. I shall have to get ready.
Again she runs over the letter vnth her eyes, then she
takes it over to the burning candle, bums it and de-
stroys the ashes. Behind the scenes the voice of her
mother, Mrs. MoorifU)va, is heard in a sudden shriek,
Moorinova running in.
MOORINOVA
What is it? What is it? What does it mean?
There is a dead body in a pool of blood there. It lies
in the other room. . . . What does it mean? Kate?
Pavel 1 where is he? Oh my God I (Shrieks.) Oh!
E!ate
Mama, darling, please, for €k)d's sake, calm your-
self. Papa went away. He'll come back.
Moorinova
But whose body is that? How did he get there?
Oh how dreadful I How dreadful! My hair just
stands on end. Where did papa go?
Kate
Papa went to the judge.
100 THE NEW CONVERT
MOORINOVA
Oh; I see. To report the suicide?
E!atE; almost whispering.
This was not a suicide, mama.
MooBiKOVA, shivering.
So it was ... It was ... a murder? That . . .
was you that did it? Who? Not you? Did he kill
that man ? ! Tell me, tell me all !
Kate
Yes mama, he did it, papa! That was a spy and
worse than that, he recognized me; he came into this
house while papa was out . . . then papa came
back . . .
MooRiNOVA, interrupting with a heavy sigh, then
somewhat calmed.
So your father killed him to save his daughter.
(Pause, Kate is crying with her face in her hands.
Mother stretches out her hands towards Kate.) Come,
come to me, my poor child. (She presses Kate's head
to her heart and continues as if speaking to herself.)
If he killed him then I suppose he could not do
otherwise. Then it was God's will. And now he went
to the judge to confess before the law, to give his soul,
his life for you. Don't cry, my child, you are not to
blame, it is not your fault. This is God's will that we
parents should give our lives for our children. You've
done well to come back. Such seems to have been the
THE NEW CONVERT 101
willof Ck)d FU bear it all. Don't cry, my child;
you see, I am feeling better. (She stands up, then
suddenly places her hand to her heart,) Kate! Oh I
(She falls.) Tell papa . . .
"KATEf catching her, then listens to her.
She is not breathing. . . . She is dead! Mama!
Mama! Oh why did I return. . . .
CURTAIN
ACT FOUR
SCEHS: Night. Lower floor in Goriov's house. On
the side in background an orchard, stiU further in the
back the Neva is visible.
KATBy alone, reading a newspaper.
Again those terrible raids ! There were pistol shots
on ObokoY Street, and Dimitry used to go there qnite
frequently. I know he did. I wonder what happened
to himf If I could only get a note with one line from
him. Is it possible that he is so busyf Perhaps he
does not realize how dreadful it is for me to sit here
alone and worry about his safety. I suppose people
must get hardened when they give themselves up to one
idea. There is no time nor room for self indulgence.
(Lowers her head and drops paper.) That is just how
I was before I returned here. (Rises and walks up
and down,) And what if he is arrested f Perhaps
deadf Killed f I and here I am scolding him for not
writing to me. No, No, I can't live like this! Not
I shall, I'll go over to them. ... It is dark now. No-
body would know me. (Takes hat and throws it hack.)
But how about father f Today was the last day of his
trial and we will know his fate. No, I cannot, I
must wait.
She sits down, then rises, paces over the room, stops
before the bureau, pulls out a drawer and is nervotisly
looking for something. The door opens behind her
very carefully and Oorlov's head is seen sticking
through it. He looks around very carefully. Then
he enters.
THE NEW CONVERT 103
EIatb, noticing uncle through the mirror turns
around and speaks joyfully.
Uncle I At last you are here I
GORLOV
There is nothing suspicious here, is there f No dan-
ger, I suppose f Are you safe heref In this shanty f
Kate
Oh yesy uncle, everything is all right here. No one
sees us here; we are perfectly safe. But please speak,
uncle, speak. Are you coming from the court t Well,
what's the newsf Is the case at an endf What's the
verdict t Why don't you speak f
GORLOV
Not yet, we have no verdict yet, but let me come to.
My heart beats so fast. Don't you know I could hardly
get away from my wifet Your aimt would not lose
me for a second; but I stole away just the same, and
then you ought to see me run, just to bring you
some news.
Kate
Oh please unde speak, tell me everything.
GOBLOV
Well, so far everything is splendid, just splendid.
Ever3^hing is in our favor. Oh, you ought to hear
papa's counsellor. He is a wonder I What a speech I
What a plea I When he addressed the jury everyone
in the court had their handkerchiefs at their eyes. Let
104 THE NEW CONVERT
me see^ perhaps I can think of it. Oh yes. (Posing,)
" Gentlemen of the jury/' he says, — " this was not a
murder, but a lawfid, a legal self-defence,'* — said he.
" You gentlemen are all fathers, and just think of your
own daughter, your only daughter, suddenly finding
herself unprotected, defenseless in the power of a man
who as an ofOicial intends to commit a very dastardly
deed. Whose hand gentlemen, would not have risen in
her defense f Would not everyone of you here present
be ready to sacrifice your own life to defend and save
your own child f You cannot declare a man guilty of
a crime that you would have committed yourselves
imder similar circumstances.''
Kate
Is that just what he said? That is splendid I
GORLOV
And as to the money that was f oimd on Yolkov with
the note, that was a point in favor of your father.
Kate
How is thatf \
GORLOV
Why, don't you know? That means that father
tried to pay him and avoid the use of weapons. The
lawyer brought this out very plainly. When he was
through, you ought to be there to see the demonstrar
tions in court, the applause. The judge was going to
clear the court. He certainly spoke well, that devil of
a lawyer. If the trial could have ended with this
THE NEW CONVERT 105
speech, father would certainly be acquitted. (Think-
ing,) Well ! I wonder what the judge will say t Now
is just about the time when he gives the instructions
to the jury.
Kate
Oh unde, why didn't you stay to the endt You
would have known the verdict, but as it is you really
didn't tell me anything.
GkmiiOV
Well I did want to stay to the end. But how about
aunt. I could not have got away from her, you know.
EIate
Yes uncle. I guess you are right, after all; a little
news is better than no news at all.
GORLOV
Don't worry about this, Kate. I fixed it before I
left. My secretary will send me the latest news
through a messenger. I told him where I would be.
He is a very honest man. He is all right.
Kate
Thanks, unde, thank you very much. It was very
good of you to keep me here and to think of me.
GORLOV
There is no need of your praises Kate, I don't see
what I have done more tiian any man ought to do I My
106 THE NEW CONVERT
wife and children are in the country. This house was
not occupied anyhow. Why not have you stay here
and make you comfortable f
EIatb^ amiling.
If the police should get to know whom you have in
your house, they would not approve of it very welL
GORLOV
Oh bosh I who is afraid of themf They will never
get to know. If only my wife should not get to know
of what I have done. Oh dear me, what a noise she
would make I Just think of the kind of people I am
mixing with. (Gazes at Kate,) Say, what was it your
people were trying to do the other day on the Obukovs
Street, ehf They were firing at the police, eht Why,
how could they do that, and what's the usef Your
people can't do a thing. You see, the one that fired
the shot was taken injured to jail. Seef It's too bad.
He was quite a young man at that. The chief of police
told me.
Kate
It was a young man? Who was itf Did the chief
tell yout
GORLOV
Well, the name is not known. He was a light-com-
plected tall fellow with gray eyes, age about
twenty-four,
EIate, places both hands to her head.
Oh my God I That was he, my Dimitry.
THE NEW CONVERT 107
GORLOV
What's the matter with youf There are lots of
"blonds" with gray eyes.
Kate
Oh no uncle. That's Dimitry^ that's Dimitry.
GORLOV
Well, it's too bad if it is he, bnt I'll have to see the
chief and find out. I'll get all the details. I'm only
afraid if my wife should . . .
Looks around, A loud ringing of the hell in hall,
Kate
It's the police!
GORLOV
My wife ! (A knock at the door. To Kate.) Hide
yourself!
Kate hides, servant brings in a note on a small tray.
GoELOV, v)ith joy.
Ah, this is from my secretary. (Reads.) " The case
is taking a bad turn. The instructions to the jury by
the judge are very unfavorable." (Discouraged.)
Kate! (Enter Kate.) Read!
Kate reads, turns pale.
108 THE NEW CONVERT
Never mind^ my dear, let us wait to the end, let us
not lose our courage.
Kate
Uncle, darling, please come back later, again, when
the trial is over and let me know. Will you please f
GORLOV
Why, Kate dear, I would with pleasure, but you know
yourself, — ^my wife you know, I can't. Fd be too glad
but — well you'll have to wait till the morning. Fll
have to go now, my wife might, — ^well (Looks around.)
Gk)od-bye, Kate, don't worry. (Looks around.) Be
brave! good-bye.
Goes out.
EIatb, alone.
I'll know it all tomorrow, about father and about
Dimitry. Perhaps I may never know anything more
about Dimitry. I shall think about Dimitry day and
night. I shall think of him and mourn for him all my
life. Oh, this is terrible I Why, why should there be
so much suffering in our life in this world f
Kate sits with her hands clasped on her lap, ah-
sorhed in thought. The cuckoo clock on the wall
strikes twelve. During the striking a light tapping
on the window from outside is heard. Kate jumps up.
Kate
I think I heard a rapping.
She waits. Silence. The tapping is repeated.
THE NEW CONVERT 109
EIate
My God! Is it possible? It's his tapping I (She
goes up to the window, opens the shutters, puts her
head through the window, whispers.) Who is there f
(Dimitry's voice.) That's me. May I come inf
Kate
Yes! yes!
Buns to the door and opens it. Enter Norov.
NOBOV
Yes, my darling, alive and very much so. How are
you, sweetheart?
EIatb, kissing him.
My own, my dearest! You come back and oh, how
happy I am! (Kissing him.) How good it feels to
see you again! I was worrying about you so much.
Here I am alone, without the slightest chance of get-
ting any news of your whereabouts. I thought I'd
go crazy!
NoBOV, embracing and kissing her.
MypoorgirUe! I know how trying it is !
Kate
But why didn't you comet Why didn't you let me
know about youf I thought surely you were dead. . .
There on the Obukov's Street.
no THE NEW CONVERT
NOBOV^ tfi a lowered voice.
My turn has not come yet^ but Vladimir is taken.
Kate
My God I Vladimir t This is dreadful. Why they
wiU . . . execute him.
NOROV
Well, we'll see about that.
Kate
Whyf Is there any hopet
NOROV
Yes, as long as one is alive there is always hope.
Kate
Oh, please speak more plainly. Tell me.
NOROV
His trial will take place in KieS. as soon as he gets
better. They will take him there. We will rescue him
on the way. I have a plan. I am going there tomor-
row to arrange it all.
Kate
Tomorrow? So soonf
THE NEW CONVERT 111
NOROV
Every hour is precious, my dear. It is a hard job.
I can't arrange it alone. I spoke to the comrades
about this, they all approve of it. We need you, Kate,
and I came to call you back to us. (Embracing her.)
We will be together again, if it is only for a short
while. Tell me, dearie, are you gladf
Kate, thinking aimlessly.
Tes, it would be a great joy and there Is so little of
it in our life. There is so much suffering in tlie world.
(Suddenly.) No it is impossible; I cannot go
with you!
Drops her hands.
NOROV
Why can't youf What has happened f
Kate
How about father? He could not live without me.
NOROV
What can you do for him nowf Of what aid can
you be to himf
EIate
They will send him to Siberia and I will go with
him. I'll follow him. I decided so. I must!
lia THE NEW CONVERT
NOBOV
Why^ E[ate dear^ what are you talking about f Just
think! They will not let you follow him! Besides,
they will aiirest you as soon as you will appear. . . .
EIate
They would never know. I will go there under an
assumed name with a strange passport. No one would
ever think to look for me in Siberia. There I am
positively safe. Anyhow, why should I think of dan-
gert Why should it bother met
NoBOV, disappointed.
So . . . this is itf Well, yes. . . . There is no
need of fear for danger. We don't have to think of
that, but (earnestly) Kate, this is silly, this is suicide
— it is betraying the cause.
Eats
To remain with you, to leave the old man alone,
broken-hearted, would be betraying something still
higher. . . .
NoBOV, thoughtful.
Yes, I see it, you dare not leave him. He is a grand
old man! ... I understand, but how about me . . .
with Vladimir. I figured and hoped for your aid. . . .
Kate
Tou'U find someone else that will help you, but to
him I'm the only one. No one can take my place
with him.
THE NEW CONVERT 113
NoROV, affectionately.
And with me do you think any one can take
your place?
Kate
Dimitry, my dear Dimitry, do you think it is so easy
for me to leave yout But dearest, the more I love you
the more I am ashamed to leave my father.
NOROV
Kate darling, do I want you to leave your father
for my sake? I swear, if I had been sent to Siberia
and if you had decided to leave him and follow me I
would have said to you — No! You must stay with
your father.
EIatb, looks at him sideways. Speaks affectionately
and softly.
And you . . . you are sure . . . you would have
said so . . . ? •
NoBOV, after a moment's hesitation.
Yes, I am sure I Here is my hand! I would have
hated, despised myself if I had acted otherwise. But
you and I and all our comrades, we all belong to the
common cause. We should not, we must not, we have
no right to sacrifice ourselves for one person, however
dear he might be to us. It is unfaithfulness, it's be-
traying the cause, Kate.
114 THE NEW CONVERT
EIatb, sadly,
I know I know it, but it isn't that, I am positive it
isn't that. You seem to have become hardened and you
do not realize that our cause does not consist of just
printing proclamations and bomb throwing. Our
cause is much deeper and broader; it is altruistic, it is
noble, and to this cause will I devote myself also in
Siberia. Just think of his sacrifice, how far he went
— that grand old man — and you turn around and
say : '' Forsake him, let him alone to perish friendless,
we need you for the great social cause.'' How can a
great cause demand and tolerate such mean ungrate-
fulness f This would be a stain upon our cause, a
disgrace to me, to you, to all of us ! (Reproachfully,)
And you don't see itt Don't you feel it? (Covers her
face with her hands.) How could I bear all this?
How could I work here, knowing that he is dying
there all alone?
Sobbing.
NOBOV
Forgive me, Kate. You are right. I never thought
of that. There are times when we must follow the
dictates of our own heart, rather than the reasonings
of our mind; and when it is a heart like yours, its
counsels are only for the best. I will see the comrades,
I will explain it to them, they will understand it and
you shall rise in their esteem. (He sits down and
lowers his head.) Will I ever see you again? (In
the rear on the Neva is seen a row-boat and the music
of a harmonica is heard playing " Luchinushka," which
is a signal to Norov. He jumps up.) They are calling
me, Gk)od-bye, my dear noble sweetheart.
THE NEW CONVERT 115
EIatE; throws her arms around his neck.
Good-bye! Don't forget me^ think of me, if only
at times, think of your Kate. Tell me, will you think
of mef
NoROV, with tears in his voice.
IwiUI
Stretches out his hands to her.
Kate, stepping back from him and waving her hand
to him.
Now you had better go. It is time; they are waiting.
NoROV, softly.
Good-bye !
He stands a moment, then he quickly turns to
the door.
Kate, calls softly.
Dimitry!
NOBOV
WeU?
Kate
Wait. ... I ... I want to tell you something.
NOROV
Speak, my dear, quickly, they are calling me.
Harmonica is heard again.
116 THE NEW CONVERT
Kate, holds on to his coat, speaks with tears in
her voice.
Wait . . . now . . . tell our comrades not to think
ill of me . . . tell them I haven't changed a bit . . .
not at all . . . but it isn't that . . . tell them that
from distant Siberia I will send them ... no, it isn't
that either. . . . (She takes his head in her hands and
looks straight into his face,) Let me have a good look
at you for the last time. . . . My dearest, how happy
we could have been! My heart is just torn in halves
between you and my father. . . . Tell me, dearest, is
it possible that one should act properly and yet suffer
so much? Tell me honestly as a brother to his sister,
am I acting right?
NOROV
Yes, Kate you are doing right. You said well —
it's a case of honor for our cause. We have to look out
not only for our party's gain but for its honor. You
are doing right, Kate.
Kate
Thank you! thank youl . . . Now I feel much bet-
ter. (They embrace.) Good-bye!
Norov makes an attempt to go.
Kate
Wait, m take you through the garden, so that no
one sees you from the street.
THE NEW CONVERT 117
They exit through a door on the left. Going behind
the scenes they pass by the window and are seen in the
garden. The stage remains empty for a moment.
Then from the door on the right, enter Moorinov. He
looks around and appears to be somewhat disturbed.
Moorinov
It's strange! I've been in every room in this house,
but I cannot find her. What does this mean? I won-
der where she is? Did she go away? But where?
Where could I look for her? (Goes to the door that
leads to the garden and looks out.) Who can that be
there at the gate? A man and a woman. They are
embracing! . . . Cannot let go of each other. Sad
to part. Oh my God! Why, this is Norov and Kate !
(Joyfully.) It's her! Kate! Kate! but I must not
cry out so loudly; someone might hear her name.
(Softly.) Kate! Kate!
EIate, runs in and throws her arms around his neek.
Papa! Is that you? Are you back? Am I dream-
ing? Is it a vision?
Moorinov
No, no, my dear, you are not dreaming. It's me,
your father. I am free, Kate! free! the jury brought
a unanimous verdict of " not guilty."
Kate
My dear papa! Oh what joy! How happy I am!
It is almost unbelievable. Wait, let me have a good
look at you. (Looks at him.) You are pale, thin and
older, my dear poor papa I
118 THE NEW CONVERT
MOORINOV
Never mind, I'll be looking better before long. In
freedom I'll regain my health and will recuperate.
Kate
Tell me how did it all happen? I never expected
that they would acquit you.
MOOBINOV
Nor did I, Kate; but you see they declared me " not
guilty." The jury felt that I was innocent. After
aU, righteousness gains the upper hand at times.
(Mournfully,) Yes . . . people found me not guilty,
but God pimished me. That shot caused the death of
my wife. Now you are an orphan without a mother,
and I am a widower, alone, all alone in the world! . . .
Kate
No papa, you are not alone, I shall never leave
you again.
MOOBINOV
You will not? . . . And how about the young man
with whom you stood there at the garden gate? How
about Dimitry and your comrades? Are you going
to leave them for my sake?
Kate, lowers her head.
Yes. . . . You have sacrificed almost everything for
my sake; now you need me and I will stay with you.
(Baises her head,) My dear good papa, I decided to
follow you if they had sent you to Siberia I
THE NEW CONVERT 119
MoOBiNOV^ rises and speaks very affectionately.
My child, is that how dear your father is to you?
Thank you, my child, thank you. (Places both hands
on her head,) May God bless you, as I am blessing
you now. (Sits down on the arm-chair.) Come to me,
Kate, come sit near me, sit closer, close to your father.
(Kate seats herself on the side of the arm-chair and
places her hand on his shoulder.) That's it! . . •
That's lovely! . . . (Pause, silence.) Kate I want to
tell you that you need not stay away from Dimitry and
the rest of your friends. Tou need not make such
a sacrifice.
Kate
How is that, papa? Don't you want me to stay
with you?
MOOBIKOV
Oh yes I do, I do ! But you see, you wouldn't have
to follow me, I'll follow you.
Kate
You follow me? Why, what do you mean, papa?
MOOBIKOV
Let me explain it all to you, Kate. You see, at heart
I am no longer the same as I used to be. . . . I've
changed a great deal. ... I am a different man
now ... I am one of you. . . . Don't think that I
am saying this on the impulse of the moment, Oh no !
At the time you left us, Kate, I found a book in your
120 THE NEW CONVERT
room. I read and reread that book and I understood
it all. Those ideas that are in that book got hold of
me powerfully. IVe thought the matter over and over
again and I have decided to give the rest of my years
to your cause, to our cause, to the cause that strives
to abolish Czardom and establish freedom in our coun-
try. (Stretches out his hand to her,) Kate, take my
hand and lead me into the ranks of those who fight for
the noble cause of freedom! Will you accept me as
your comrade? Can I be of any help to you?
Kate
Papa, darling! Just think what it means? To go
forever, never to return ! Do you know, do you realize
what awaits you? (She rises and star^ds before him.
He looks at her.) They will treat you a great deal
more severely than us, because you were once theirs
and you have become one of us.
MOOBIKOV
I know it, I realize that, but what care I? I shall
gladly bear it all, knowing that I am sharing my fate
with you. I have lived a shameful life. I was one of
the " Idlers " who are living as parasites and are not
of any use to their country or humanity. Now, let me
finish living the rest of my life honestly by being an
aid to my country and an inspiration for the genera-
tions to come.
Kate
But just think, papa, you are going to us for my
sake. I may perish, and you may never see me again.
Wouldn't you regret it? Woulii't you be sorry?
THE NEW CONVERT 121
MOORINOV
No, I am going to you not only for your sake. You
have made a resurrection within me, through your love
and your kindness. At first I believed in you and now
I believe in the same faith that you have given your
whole life for.
Kate
Now give me your hand as a comrade, papa. We
will pursue the same aim in life ; we will walk the same
path. There is room and work for all of us, and many
more. Oh, how happy Dimitry will be and the rest of
the comrades ! Oh, how they will love you as soon as
they will learn to know you, and you will love them,
as your own children. They are not cruel murderers
as they are pictured to be; they are kind and loving
people, they will respect you and take care of you.
MoOBlNOV, rises.
No, no, Kate, I do not want to be a pet ; this is not
the purpose for which I am joining your ranks. I
want to be like the rest of them, fighting for freedom,
and facing all the dangers that may come. Lead me,
Kate. I will follow you, wherever you go, you have
converted me. I am your new convert.
Curtain falls slowly
THE END
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